Neck and shoulder support for office chair

Let’s get this out of the way: sitting isn’t great for you. Nonetheless, we usually sit while we work. Inadequate support causes harm to your lower body but can also cause severe neck and shoulder pain.

While the most common issue people develop from long sitting sessions is back pain, it can develop into neck and shoulder pain. That being said, there are several great chairs on the market that are specifically designed to help people with shoulder pain. A perfect chair will have an adequate lumbar, upper back, and lower back support along with a sturdy and adjustable headrest to keep your posture in the most natural position.

I’ve handpicked the 5 best office chairs for shoulder pain on the market that’s available right now. When choosing the office chair, special attention is paid to not only being good for shoulder pain but also being very comfortable.

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For our top pick I’ve chosen the SIDIZ T50 office chair. It offers exceptional adjustability with a long warranty. The lumbar support paired with the adjustable headrests will give you excellent shoulder pain relief. This is what I consider the best office chair for shoulder pain you can buy right now.

The headrest allows for vertical movement of almost 3” and rotation of 90°, which gave me great control of my sitting position. Combined with the vertically adjustable lumbar support, you’ll soon forget about your shoulder and upper back pain.

The chair features an s-curve design that supports your spine to help you keep a healthy sitting habit, which I found to be quite useful as it forced my back into an ergonomic posture. Another good design choice is keeping the controls close by to you. This has allowed me to easily adjust all functions within reach without having to strain my shoulders by twisting them.

Another nice-to-have feature is the sliding seat. These are pretty rare and usually come with the more expensive options. A sliding seat gives you complete control of your sitting experience. The back seat can be tiled from 90° to 125°, giving you comfort whenever needed.

Overall, the chair is designed in a very stylish way, which allows it to match all lifestyles. It comes in black, blue and gray. While relatively expensive, it comes with a 5-year warranty, allowing you to replace any broken parts. The chair allows for up to 250 pounds, which should be enough for most people.

KEY FEATURES:

  • High Back
  • Adjustable Headrest
  • 2-Way Lumbar Support
  • 3-Way Armrests
  • Forward Tilt Adjustment
  • Adjustable Seat Depth
  • Breathable Mesh Back
  • S-Curve Design
  • Exceptional Build Quality
  • Long Warranty
  • Comfortable
  • Modern Design
  • Ergonomic

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Chair Size: D: 28.9” x W: 28.9” x H: 45.8”
  • Chair Color: Black, Blue, Grey
  • Seat Width: 19.9”
  • Back Width: 15.0-18.7”
  • Headrest Height: 7.2-9.6”
  • Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
  • Warranty Length: 5-Years
  • Chair Weight: 43.9 lbs

PROS:

  • Adjustable Armrests
  • Forward Tilt/Seat Slide
  • Tilting-Angle/Tension
  • Adjustable Headrest
  • Adjustable Lumbar Support
  • Seat Height Adjustable
  • Ventilated Back Seat
  • Amazing Warranty
  • Very Good User feedback

For our best value, I’ve decided to go for the Duramont ergonomic office chair for its ergonomic design and highly adjustable headrest. Additionally, it has a great warranty and a weight capacity of 330 pounds. The chair is expensive, but it offers a lot compared to competitors at the same price.

The 2 most essential features for shoulder pain on this chair are the headrest and lumbar support. The headrest can have its height adjusted up to 3.9″ and rotated up to 40°, which is on par with even the most expensive option on the market. The lumbar support goes in, out, and up and down, which not only combats shoulder pain but helps with other back-related problems.

Additionally, you can adjust the armrests to 3.9″ up and down. The backrest can be tension controlled and be tilted from 90° all the way to 120°. All these adjustable numbers have given me control of every aspect of the chair to personalize the sitting experience to the fullest. This is a lot more than other competitors offer at that price range.

The breathable mesh on the back offers excellent ventilation for sweat-free sessions. The w-type cushion is also present, which gives your bottom the most comfort possible by having a natural shape. It’s also worth mentioning that the seat is thickly padded with very soft material.

This chair does offer a whopping 5-year warranty, ensuring longevity and peace of mind that you can replace any broken parts. Installation takes no longer than 30 minutes and once assembled, you can enjoy 330 pounds of weight capacity.

KEY FEATURES:

  • High Back
  • Adjustable Headrest
  • Two-Way Lumbar Support
  • Adjustable Armrests
  • Adjustable Backrest
  • W-Type Cushion
  • Ergonomic
  • Breathable Mesh
  • Thick Seat Cushion
  • Easy Glide Rollers
  • Easy Installation
  • Long Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Chair Size: D: 26” x W: 23.6” x H: 42”
  • Chair Color: Black
  • Headrest Lift: 3.9”
  • Adjustable Armrests: 3.9”
  • Adjustable Backrest: 90°-125°
  • Adjustable Lumbar Support: Up to 2.0”
  • Warranty Length: 5-Years
  • Chair Weight: 42.4 lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

PROS:

  • Elegant Design
  • Amazing Weight Capacity
  • Thick Cushion
  • Highly Adjustability
  • Rollerblade Wheels
  • Durable
  • High Density
  • Non-Deformable
  • Recline/Tension
  • Amazing Warranty

CONS:

  • The cushion may be uncomfortable after extended sitting

For our premium choice, we went for the Steelcase Gesture. While it may look peculiar that we pick an office chair without a headrest for shoulder pain, hear me out. The Gesture model offers excellent back support that it caved in for perfect and ergonomic shoulder blade positioning. Combined with the highly adjustable lumbar support, you get one of the best office chairs for shoulder pain.

One of the main selling points of this chair is the premium seat comfort for all-day support. The seat cushion design uses built-in air pockets that conform to your body and reduce the pressure that comes from long-term sitting. The chair also offers a waterfall-edge design, right where you need it – relieving pressure points under your thighs.

Armrests are essential for shoulder pain, and the Gesture model offers excellent support. They adjust through a full range of motion – 350° – for support that follows you as you work with the help of other mechanisms the chair offers. They’re designed to remain parallel to your work surface as you move, so you can stay comfortably on task.#

The chair offers a 3D LiveBack technology designed to flex and mimic the natural movements of your spine as you change postures. The contoured shape of the back helps to align your spine in its natural, healthy S-shape. These technologies work together to achieve a perfect ergonomic chair for shoulder pain.

Overall, as you can tell, this is a very advanced chair, and so the price tag is also relatively high. However, if you want the absolute best and have the money to spare, the Steelcase Gesture is arguably the best office chair for shoulder pain. It’s worth mentioning that it supports 400 pounds of weight, which will support even the heaviest of people, and a whopping 12-year warranty.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Reputable Manufacturer
  • High Quality
  • Long-Lasting
  • 100% Polyester
  • Ergonomic
  • Adjustable Seat Depth
  • Fully Adjustable Armrests
  • Pneumatic Seat Height
  • Recline Tension Adjustment
  • Shell Back and Seat
  • Full-Day Comfort
  • Extra Long Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Chair Size: D: 25” x W: 27” x H: 42.5”
  • Chair Color: Licorice/Graphite
  • Seat Width: 20”
  • Back Width: 16.25”
  • Seat Depth: 15.75” – 18.5”
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Warranty Length: 12-Year
  • Chair Weight: 78 lbs

PROS:

  • Highly Adjustable Headrest
  • Lumbar Support
  • Sliding Seat
  • Polished Aluminum Base
  • Breathable Design
  • 4-Position Recline Lock
  • 12-Year Warranty
  • High Weight Capacity
  • Upholstered
  • Highly Adjustable Armrests

CONS:

  • Very Pricey (but often has a promo)

Since there are many very pricey office chairs on our list, I’ve decided to have a category for the most affordable office chair that’s still very good at preventing shoulder pain. If you’re on a budget, then this KERDOM breathable mesh chair is for you. It offers excellent adjustability throughout the chair.

In terms of adjustability, the headrests can be moved in 2 directions. It can have its height adjusted 5 cm up and down, giving you 10 cm of movement. It can also be rotated 15° up and down, giving you 30° of total rotation. The lumbar support allows for 2.8″ of up and down movement, which is very impressive considering the price of this chair. I found these to be enough to support my shoulders in a way where they’re comfortable even for sitting sessions.

The only noticeable downside of this chair is the lack of advanced adjustability of the armrests. They can only be flipped up 90°. While this isn’t all bad, it’s something to remember. They offer a very comfortable material based on experience and have kept my hands relaxed, and the ability to flip them allows the chair to fit in tight spaces. 

The chair is made of a high-density and breathable mesh back and has a thick cushion on the seat to provide you with the most comfortable sitting experience. The compact design also allows the chair to be conveniently stored and moved wherever you need it.

Overall, if you’re on a tight budget, this chair will suffice your shoulder pain almost as good as a lot more expensive chairs. While there are no mentions of a warranty, the char is sturdy and should last you for a long time. It also offers 250 pounds of weight capacity, which should support most people. Find out more office chairs under $200 here.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Affordable
  • Compact/Small
  • Breathable
  • Highly Dense
  • Comfort
  • Adjustable Headrest
  • Flip-Up Armrests
  • Ergonomic
  • Multi-Function
  • Easy Assembly

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Chair Size: D: 24” x W: 10” x H: 21”
  • Chair Color: Black/White
  • Headrest Height Adjustment: 2.8”
  • Headrest Rotation: 30°
  • Chair Tilt: 90°-120°
  • Lumbar Support Adjustment: 2.8”
  • Flip-Up Armrests: 90°
  • Weight Capacity: 250 lbs

PROS:

  • Affordable
  • Compact Design
  • Elegant
  • Mute Wheels
  • Strong Base
  • Comfortable Seating
  • High-Density
  • Ergonomic
  • Highly Adjustable

CONS:

  • The seat may go uncomfortable after prolonged use

My last choice on the guide is the most comfortable pick. While most chairs mention they’re comfortable, the Serta AIR executive office chair takes it a step further. Serta AIR offers extra padding throughout the whole chair, offering new levels of comfortability. The head and back area provide excellent support, giving you pressure relief and, in turn, shoulder pain relief.

This Serta model offers high back design and an AIR lumbar technology that works phenomenally to give users (and me) great posture. You can take full advantage of the reactive cushioning, which helps to realign the body and eliminate strain due to sitting for long.

The armrest offers padding to offer your arms extra comfort. The pneumatic lift works with a highly intuitive lever that helps recline the backrest. The backrest can be tilted from 100° to 122°. The seat will also support big and tall people as it offers a width of 19″ and a depth of 19.5″.

The chair has a leather design, offering an executive feel. The mesh accent on the chair makes it breathable and fun to use. The headrest and the intensely deep layered pillows are perfect for high-comfort-level.

After using the chair for a while I have found that the chair is indeed much more comfortable than a traditional chair. The Serta AIR felt soft and had great ventilation which prevented me from sweating.

Overall, if comfort is your top priority, then the Serta AIR may be for you. The chair offers 250 pounds of weight capacity and a 1-year warranty, which is adequate for this chair’s price. While there is a lack of adjustability compared to many of our picks on this guide it will still target shoulder pain effectively.

Also, the chair takes a moment to assemble, so you can enjoy the executive feel as soon as it arrives.

KEY FEATURES:

  • High Back
  • Ergonomic
  • Lumbar Support
  • Layered Body Pillows
  • Padded Armrests
  • Air Lumbar Technology
  • All-Day Comfort
  • Smooth Rolling
  • Good Weight Capacity
  • Easy Assembly
  • Reclines

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Chair Size: D: 30.25” x W: 25.75” x H: 45.75”
  • Chair Color: Black/Cream/Light Gray
  • Tilt: 100° – 122°
  • Back Height: 28.5”
  • Seat Width: 19”
  • Seat Depth: 19.5
  • Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
  • Warranty Length: 1-Year
  • Chair Weight: 40.79 lbs

PROS:

  • Extreme Comfort
  • Thickly Padded Seat and Armrests
  • Adequate Weight Capacity
  • Quick Assembly
  • AIR Lumbar Support
  • Tension Knob
  • Recline
  • Executive Design
  • Elegant

How We Decided

Picking an office chair for a specific problem like shoulder pain needs a lot of research. I’ve done that and even tested several chairs, including the ones in this guide. They’re in this guide because they all tick the required boxes. The most impactful features are adjustable armrests, headrest, and lumbar support.

Armrests are just about enough for shoulder pain. That’s why adjustable armrests are the way to go if you want total comfort. Having your arms positioned correctly goes a long way to getting pain-free shoulders. Having the ability to adjust it gives you more control over your setting experience. That’s why all included office chairs in this guide will have good enough arm support to provide you with proper posture.

A headrest is just as crucial as armrests as they work together to give you an ergonomic posture in your upper body while seated. While it’s not as important for the headrest to be adjustable as it is for armrests, it’s always great to have extra control. That being said, you will find that the chairs included will have a well-padded headrest, and some are even adjustable.

Lumbar support may not sound important, but when testing our chairs, we found that maintaining the natural curvature of your back does quite a bit for your shoulders too. No matter which one you choose from this guide, they will all provide you with outstanding lumbar support, some even offering adjustability.

Things To Consider When Buying an Office Chair for Shoulder Pain

Head and Neck Support

Head and neck support are arguably the most important thing to consider when buying an office chair for shoulder pain, as they’re responsible for preventing said pain. The best office chair for shoulder pain will ideally have some sort of headrest support—the more adjustable, the better. 

The best headrests will have both height and angle adjustability and preferably be well padded for comfort. The amount you can adjust the headrest is also essential, as you want your head to sit on the headrest as naturally as possible.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support usually works in conjunction with a head support to offer maximum support for shoulder pain. There are many lumbar support types, ranging from adjustable to fixed options. Again, the more adjustable it is, the better. 

The best lumbar support often offers height adjustability of around 3,” and some even provide inward/outwards movement. Look for a chair with good lumbar support, as it can significantly help prevent postural problems that cause not just back pain, but shoulder and neck pain as well.

Adjustable Armrests

Adjustable armrests are essential because they will allow you to set the position of the arms to best match your shoulder position. The proper arm position is such that the forearms are parallel to the desk surface, with the elbows assuming a 90 – 100° open-angle. 

This is the position where your arms and shoulders are most relaxed. A well-padded armrest is just as important as a good seat, as your hands rest on the armrests most often.

User Feedback

Often people forget to check what others think of the chair and just buy based on the description and if the chair ticks all the boxes. However, looking at what users think of the chair is essential. Who knows better than those who have purchased the said chair and used it? It often gives you a brief overview of how the chair will perform and if it’s worth the price. 

How to Sit to Avoid Shoulder Pain?

Here are some ways to sit to avoid shoulder pain. These will help you with proper sitting posture and encourage healthy sitting in general. 

  • Adjust your monitor level Chances are you are working on a computer or laptop. The top of your screen should be at eye level. Your elbows should be level with your desk. This will help ease tension on your neck and shoulder.
  • Sit with proper postureAlways sit with your back straight against the chair. Keep your hips and knees at a 90° angle, and your ears, elbows, and hips should be in a straight line. This will prevent hip pain from occurring.
  • Taking frequent breaks It is well-known that sitting for too long is bad for your health. Take the time to stretch and move around between long sitting sessions, ideally every 30 minutes.
  • Sit on an ergonomic office chairChoosing an office chair with an adjustable headrest and lumbar support will help support your shoulders.

Final Thoughts

It’s been fun carefully researching the best office chairs for shoulder pain. Our research has shown that it can be hard to find an appropriate office chair that tackles shoulder pain, and with the demand growing for the best office chairs, people need to know which chairs are suitable for them. We experience those problems firsthand and know how awful it is to experience a stiff neck and aching shoulders.

We hope you gave our guide a good read and found the optimal chair for your needs. Our top pick from SIDIZ T50 ticks all the boxes to tackle shoulder pain. It offers an exceptional variety of adjustability. If money is no issue, then the very well-known Steelcase Gesture is worth considering. We also know that money can be an issue for many people, and therefore the office chair from KERDOM will suffice for those people.

We encourage you to email us with any questions you may have.

FAQs

What does it mean if a chair is ergonomic?

An ergonomic chair refers to its design and shape. Ergonomic chairs will have a design that best supports the natural curvature of the spine and just proper sitting posture in general.

What makes a chair good for shoulder pain?

Several things make a chair suitable for shoulder pain, often working together as a painkiller. An adjustable headrest and lumbar support are essential for shoulder pain sufferers.

How much are chairs for shoulder pain?

The median price is around the $300 range. The price will increase if you want the chair to be more effective. Generally, they range from as low as $80 to as high as $800. Find out why office chairs are so expensive.

Can a chair cause shoulder pain?

It doesn’t matter how ergonomic an office chair is if you’re not sitting correctly. So while a chair doesn’t cause shoulder pain directly, sitting for too long does.

How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology

At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review. 

When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:

  • Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
  • Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
  • Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof. 
  • Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better. 

Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price. 

Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.

How do you support a neck in an office chair?

If you opt for a neck support pillow for an office chair, there is no better choice than a memory foam neck pillow. A memory foam adjustable headrest is very useful since it may provide therapeutic support and comfort. The elasticity of memory foam guarantees continual comfort and pain alleviation for your neck.

Should an office chair have neck support?

Office chairs with a headrest help to reduce pain associated with working long hours. Office chairs with a headrest also help to protect you from neck, shoulder, and back pain which are some of the most common problems associated with using an office chair for a long period of time.

How do you sit in office chair for shoulder pain?

Adjust your chair so that your knees are level with your hips. Strive to keep your pelvis in a neutral position. Keep your wrists straight and your hands at elbow level. Place your computer monitor at about an arm's length away.

What is the best support for office chairs?

A lumbar support pillow bridges the gap between the chair and your back. The extra support prevents muscle fatigue which helps you sit tall rather than leaning forward or slouching down onto your spine. You sit at work for long periods and know you need to improve your posture to reduce lower back pain.