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Gaming chairs have become an integral part of gaming. They radiate comfort, enhance the experience and guarantee a more enjoyable time while playing.
But what about their health benefits? If you are a gamer and have been suffering from back pain, then we have the perfect solution for you. The best gaming chairs are designed for optimum comfort to keep your posture perfect and your spine aligned and free of pressure points that cause pain. Many gamers play for long hours in a row and for this reason, gaming chairs that offer good ergonomy and comfort are of great importance. And they are even more important when you have back pain and want to play without experiencing so much pain that it doesn’t become unbearable or negatively affect your gaming experience.
Like office workers, gamers often sit in front of their PC or console for many hours. Regardless of whether you are a hobbyist or an e-sports player, the strain on your back is the same. The same applies to the most painful consequences: initially tension in the neck and back muscles, and later back pain, or even lower back pain.
Ergonomic gaming chairs can prevent this, as they should enable the user to maintain an upright, back-friendly posture. So it’s not surprising that office chair manufacturers are increasingly offering gaming chairs. The difference between conventional, ergonomic office chairs and gaming chairs is primarily a visual one. An ergonomic office chair may (but does not have to) have similar ergonomics and adjustment capabilities as a gaming chair.
Below, we take a look at some of the best and most popular gaming chairs for back pain. Note that these chairs are focused on comfort and ergonomy, so even if you are not experiencing back pain, they can be great to use to prevent back pain from appearing from sitting long hours when playing games. Further on, we’ll also go through some of the most important things you need to keep in mind when making your purchase to ensure you find a chair that is suitable for your needs and wants.
Best ergonomic gaming chairs for back pain
Noblechairs Epic Reclining Ergonomic gaming chair
This multiple award-winning gaming chair impresses with a modern, elegant design developed together with e-sport athletes.
The gaming chair’s extra-high, ergonomic backrest relieves your neck and shoulder muscles so you can easily survive long gaming sessions. The swing function provides more movement, while the lying function provides extra comfort.
The cold foam cover is dimensionally stable and offers high sitting comfort even after hours.
The armrests are adjustable in height, width, depth, and angle to improve your ergonomics.
You can choose between PU leather, which is specially perforated, and leather. Both materials are breathable and prevent your chair from getting too sweaty – which is also something that negatively affects your comfort.
The chair is manufactured by industrial robots, the machining is precise and of high quality.
The gaming chair is TÜV certified and has won the European Hardware Award for “best gaming chair”.
Razer Iskur
Razer Iskur offers ergonomics at a reasonable price! The design is a bit simple and understated for Razer, but otherwise, the gaming chair has a lot to offer.
The back part is shaped in such a way that your back fits perfectly in it. The built-in support for your lower back provides support and prevents unhealthy posture. You can adjust the support to your height with a lever. The rocking mechanism is stepless.
In terms of comfort, the Razer Iskur is in the mid-range. The side supports are too obvious and annoying for bigger guys. The seat could be a bit more comfortable for long gaming sessions, but the fabric cover makes it comfortable to sit on. Its structure prevents it from overheating.
The gaming chair’s neck pillow feels a little hard.
The 4D armrests are of high quality, easy to adjust, and comfortable.
The Razer Iskur has a high-quality finish, but just adjusting the built-in support is a little fiddly.
At 35 kg, the Razer Iskur is a bit heavy compared to other gaming chairs, but this also makes it robust and stable.
Corsair T3 Rush gaming chair
The Corsair T3 Rush is made for budget gamers, with many advantages and some weaknesses. Its modern design is reminiscent of sports cars. It has a design that is difficult not to love.
The protection should enable long gaming sessions through minimal heat storage. It fits snugly and has a clean finish. A neck and back pillow made of memory foam optimally supports the neck and shoulders which also play a role in minimizing backpain.
The 4D armrests support your sitting position – you can simply flip them away if they’re in the way or if you don’t need them.
Relaxation is made easy thanks to the backrest that is adjustable up to 180 degrees. In the horizontal position, you can charge your batteries or take a short nap.
The frame is made of robust steel, which makes the gaming chair strong and durable. The base, on the other hand, is made of plastic, which also no longer seems appropriate in this price segment. The wheels also do not make a high-quality impression, which could stand in the way of a long service life – but it remains to be seen. The Corsair T3 Rush scores very well in customer reviews.
GTRACING Ergonomic Gaming Chair with Backrest and Lumbar Pillow
This gaming chair – model GTPLAYER GTP726784 is a popular choice amongst gamers who are looking for an ergonomic chair – including those with back pain.
It offers a seat of 48 × 37 centimeters and an adjustable seat height between 39 and 49 centimeters. It can be loaded up to 135 kilograms and is recommended by the supplier for people with a height of up to 1.80 meters. For ergonomic and comfortable sitting, the chair is equipped with sliding and removable head and lumbar cushions. The five-star base has plastic rollers.
The backrest of the GTPLAYER GTP726784 can be tilted up to 150 degrees independently of the seat. This allows you to take a reclining position on the chair and have some rest. The seat can be tilted up to 20 degrees thanks to the swing function, where the seat also tilts backward. The gaming chair’s armrests are adjustable in height and the upholstery is covered with synthetic leather.
The GTPLAYER GTP726784 is shown in a mostly black design with red colored accents or a sporty look. It is available in the colors blue, black, grey, purple, red, and white. The chair measures 50.8 × 48.3 × 127.0 centimeters and weighs 20 kilograms.
Dowinx Gaming Chair
The gaming chair Dowinx has a continuous back design and is equipped with a head pillow and a lumbar pillow.
This is intended to distribute the pressure better across the body to prevent and alleviate back pain. It goes without saying that it is designed for perfect ergonomics and comfort.
The backrest is adjustable in a range between 90 and 170 degrees. The seat height is also adjustable and the chair enables a rocking range of 15 degrees. It is equipped with armrests and has a retractable footrest for which chairs with footrests are particularly suitable is explained here.
The base of the gaming chair is an iron frame designed to support the width of the backrest. The five-star base is made of nylon and can withstand a weight of up to 120 kilos. The chair is covered with artificial leather and is available in different colors.
Noblechairs Epic Reclining Gaming Chair
The seat of the Noblechairs Epic reclining chair measures 49.5 × 56 centimeters and can be loaded with up to 120 kilograms. The gaming chair has a five-star base made entirely of aluminum and wheels with polyurethane coating, which, according to the manufacturer, are suitable for both hard and soft floors. The seat height can be infinitely adjusted between 48 and 58 centimeters using the TÜV-tested gas pressure spring.
Noblechair’s gaming chair has four-dimensionally adjustable armrests. They can be adjusted in height, turned, and tilted forward and to the side. This allows the supplier’s noble chair to be placed almost anywhere.
The upholstery of the noble air Epic NBL consists of deformation-proof, open pores and climate-regulating cold foam with a Nappa leather cover. The chair has a seesaw mechanism with locking function and dynamically adjustable resistance. The backrest can be tilted back up to 135 degrees regardless of the seat.
On the backrest of this gaming chair is a subtle, elliptical aluminum emblem with embossed lettering. The chair is available in different color variants and special editions – Black, Black-Blue, Black-Gold, Black-Green, Black-Red, Black-White-Red, White-Black, Special-Edition Black, Special-Edition Mousesports, Special Edition SK Gaming, and Special Edition Sprout. The dimensions are 67 × 71 × 140 centimeters. The gaming chair weighs 28 kilos.
What is a gaming chair?
A gaming chair is a chair specifically made for gaming. The focus of a gaming chair is ergonomy, comfort, and design. Whilst gaming chairs are intended for gaming, a lot of people also use them as office chairs due to the comfort that they offer.
Compared to classic desk chairs, most gaming chairs are noticeably more comfortable. As a matter of fact, it is possible to spend several hours in the chair without any discomfort. Those who prefer to do without flashy, stylish colors in the office and otherwise rely on classic black office swivel chairs will find gaming chairs in a simpler design – for example in black, gray, or white.
Gaming chairs have many well-thought-out adjustment options – for example adjustable armrests, adjustable seat height, or a tilting mechanism that can be locked. They often also come with removable head and lumbar cushions that contribute to an ergonomic sitting position.
Gaming chairs thus enable comfortable seating that is easy on the back and therefore ideal if you have back pain.
In addition to their versatile adjustment possibilities, gamer chairs are characterized by their design. The presentation is often based on car sports seats. Bright colors dominate their designs.
Gaming chairs are more expensive than regular office chairs, but they are also considerably better. They offer a wide range of adjustment possibilities with which they can be adapted specifically to the respective body shape and personal preferences.
Gaming chairs are therefore primarily an investment in comfort at the workplace and the feeling of sitting as well as your own back health. Especially those who spend many hours at their desk every day benefit from it.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a gaming chair?
Everyone has different anatomical requirements – different lengths of arms and legs and an individual relationship between the upper and lower body. Standard computer chairs, which can only be raised and lowered, cannot be adapted to your own anatomy. This is where the biggest advantage of gaming chairs over traditional desk chairs lies.
Both the seat height and the position of the armrests as well as the head and lumbar cushions can be adjusted individually. This enables comfortable, back-friendly sitting that is adapted to the anatomy. Models from the upper price range often have covers made of high-quality materials such as velor or genuine leather. With their eye-catching design, they fit well into a modern game setup.
What is velor?
Velor consists of cotton, mixed fibers and polyester. The material was first produced as a replacement for velvet, which consists of silk. Velor is popular for its fluffy feel, which is achieved through two special manufacturing techniques – the so-called weft and warp threads. In addition, the fabric is considered durable.
Compared to regular PC chairs, gaming chairs have two disadvantages. The first thing to mention is the higher acquisition costs.
Even a gaming chair from the middle price segment can cost more than 300 dollars. Apart from that, the eye-catching designs can be a disadvantage if the gaming chair is to be used in the office. There are models with a simple, monochrome design, but they are more of an exception.
What is the advantage of headrest and lumbar support?
Sitting for long periods leads to a curvature of the upper back. The shoulders move forward and muscle shortening occurs, keeping the shoulders in a forward position even when standing – a classic rounded back or cat’s hump occurs.
Head and lumbar cushions support ergonomic sitting and practically force the sitter to adopt a natural posture. Sitting reclined with a rounded back is not possible with the lumbar cushion, as it ensures that the sitter sits further forward on the seat.
The ergonomic design of the lumbar support supports the natural double S-shape of the spine, and the shoulders automatically assume a normal sitting position. The pillow keeps the head in a neutral position and prevents it from tipping forward or backward. Most gaming chairs have adjustable head and lumbar cushions to fit your height. This is important for improved comfort -in particular, if you already have back pain.
Gaming chair for back pain – buyer’s guide
When looking for their gaming chair, users of gaming chairs should carefully check whether the features really relieve the neck and back – these are the most sensitive areas and the areas most exposed to tension – and whether the cushions and aids used really improve their sitting comfort. Because when you sit on ergonomic chairs, the decisive criterion is your own feeling. What suits one person may be completely inadequate, limiting, or even harmful to another.
A gaming chair is considered ergonomic if you can optimally adapt it to your individual physical needs with many setting options. It must give you a comfortable sitting experience and support your back just as it suits you. You also need to be able to adapt it to your setup, with all its quirks.
These high demands on ergonomic chairs are implemented through the use of innovative technology, the use of suitable materials, and clean execution that meets the highest quality requirements.
Backrest
Basically, your gaming chair needs to fit your height and weight. Not all gaming chairs have recommended heights, so you’ll have to find out for yourself.
The backrest should be high enough so that you can lean your head against it to relieve the cervical spine and prevent tension in the neck and shoulder area. If it is too high, you will sink into the gaming chair, if it is too low, it will not be able to cope with its task of relieving your neck and back. It should be able to adapt optimally to your back, not be too tight, but also not too easy.
Their degree of hardness depends on your body weight. With many gaming chairs, the back pressure of the backrest can be adjusted individually. Ideally, it is ergonomically shaped and adapts to your back. In any case, it must be adjustable in several positions. This way you can find out which seating position suits you and your game and change it back if you like it.
A rocking function stimulates blood circulation through constant movement and prevents you from sitting in a rigid position. So you stay active even when you’re sitting down. Many gaming chairs have a folding feature designed to help you recharge your batteries with a relaxing break.
Adjustable seat height and tilt
The seat is adjustable in height on all gaming chairs. To relieve the knees and leg muscles, the angle between the thighs and lower legs should be 90 degrees.
But for a truly ergonomic posture, the seat should be tilted slightly forward. Just so you don’t feel like you’re about to slide off your gaming chair. Because the 90-degree posture puts stress on the intervertebral discs. The seat should therefore be adjustable in its inclination. This is the only way an ergonomic seat can fully develop its potential to protect your muscles, joints, back, and intervertebral discs.
With the right seat angle, you can even breathe more freely. The better the seat angle and seat inclination can be changed and adapted to your needs as a result of the technical equipment of your ergonomic gaming chair, the more effectively your back is protected and the longer your gaming sessions can be.
You change the seat inclination by adjusting the angle between the seat and the backrest.
For freedom of movement in all directions and ease of standing up and sitting down, the seats of most gaming chairs can be moved around, i.e. rotates 360°.
Lumbar support
Most gaming chairs are now equipped with lumbar support. Sitting for long periods of time tires the back muscles and prevents them from being able to optimally support the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine sinks backward, which leads to incorrect posture, tension, and ultimately pain. Lumbar support is designed to prevent just that.
It is usually an ergonomically shaped pillow that is used to support the lumbar spine. It can either be attached to the backrest with a click fastener, adjusted with straps, or placed loosely in the back. Many tests have shown that these lumbar supports not only improve a healthy sitting position, but also improve sitting comfort. Ideally, they should be made of memory foam so they don’t wrinkle.
In some gaming chairs, lumbar support is built into the backrest. The idea behind this is that a much-used, wrinkled pillow can no longer fulfill its function optimally. This is judged differently. For some users it is good, for others it is horror. The same applies here as for ergonomic chairs in general: You have to find what suits your individual needs.
Adjustable armrests
You must be able to adjust the height of the armrests so that your arms rest comfortably. The angle between your upper and lower arms should be 90 degrees.
This is not enough for most gamers, so most gaming chairs are equipped with at least 2D and up to 4D armrests. You can move the 2D armrest vertically as well as forward and backward. They are now the minimum standard for gaming chairs.
More and more gaming chairs have a 3D or 4D armrest. You can move the 3D armrest up and down, forward and backward, and in and out. You can also move the 4D armrests in and out. You have to decide for yourself which armrests are right for you.
If the armrests only need to fit under the desk, a 1D or height-adjustable armrest is sufficient, but if you want to be able to move more freely or change the distances to your setup, you need a multi-adjustable armrest. There are also armrests that can be completely or partially folded away. This a feature for anyone who wants to sit relaxed cross-legged on their gaming chair.
It should be remembered that the arm position when gaming is different than, for example, in the home office. Most of the time, the arms are bent and therefore need to be supported and stabilized differently to prevent pain in the wrists or elbows. In this regard, 4D armrests make sense, although they may drive up the price of your gaming chair. Furthermore, the surface of the armrests should not be too hard and should yield gently under pressure so that your elbows and forearms can rest comfortably.
Headrest
As the name suggests, the neck support is meant to support your neck and protect it from tension and rapid fatigue. Like the gaming chair’s lumbar support, it is designed to promote and support a healthy sitting position. It can also be adjusted to your height using straps or attached to the backrest with click fasteners.
Memory foam should protect it from deformation so that it can still give you optimal support even after a period of use, and the cover should be washable. If it bothers you, you can remove it, but overall it’s a necessary and useful feature.
Just as with the lumbar support, there are also manufacturers of the headrest that have integrated this support into the backrest. You have to find out for yourself if this suits your needs. There are good reviews for this feature, especially in the premium segment.
On the other hand, there are players who do not want to do without the cushion.
How to sit correctly on your gaming chair
No matter which model you have chosen, your gaming chair is guaranteed to have a wide range of possibilities to adapt all parts to your needs, from the backrest to the seat to the armrests. You should definitely use these options and you should try them out until you find the settings that are exactly right for you. A gaming chair that is not good or even misaligned cannot develop its ergonomic potential and you have invested in such a gaming chair for nothing.
So first adjust it according to your height and weight. Also, consider the height of the gaming table you will be sitting at. Remember that you must be able to lean your head against the backrest. Position the neck pillow in such a way that you feel its supportive effect until you find the right position.
Adjust the seat so that you are sitting comfortably but upright and pay attention to the angle between the upper and lower leg, which should be slightly less than 90 degrees to relieve the intervertebral discs.
Why you should tilt the seat slightly forward.
Pay attention to an upright posture and contact with the backrest. This is how you increase your ability to concentrate. Move the lumbar pillow as long and as often until you have found the right position. Experiment with the toggle function. This keeps you moving even when you are sitting and ensures good blood circulation, making you tire less quickly.
Change the angle of the backrest and test the different sitting positions that your gaming chair allows you.
Last but not least, test the possibilities of adjusting your armrests. With a little patience, you will find out the optimal position of all parts in interaction with each other and you can relax and look forward to long gaming sessions.
Keep reminding yourself to sit up straight, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Get comfortable in your gaming chair, be patient as you try it out, and reward yourself with a healthy back.
Gaming chairs for back pain – buyer’s guide
When Choosing a Gaming Chair for Back Pain Choosing the right gaming chair for back pain can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. Here are some of the key factors you should consider:
Ergonomics
The chair should be designed to support your spine and help maintain good posture. Look for chairs with adjustable armrests, headrests, and lumbar supports that can be adjusted to fit your body.
Support
A chair with good support is crucial for preventing back pain. Look for chairs that have a sturdy frame and high-density foam padding that will provide long-lasting comfort.
Adjustability
The ability to adjust the chair to fit your body is essential. Look for chairs that have adjustable height, tilt, and recline functions that allow you to find the perfect position for your back.
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to gaming. Look for chairs with soft, breathable materials and ample padding. Avoid chairs that are too firm or too soft, as either can cause discomfort and back pain.
How to Use a Gaming Chair to Minimize Back Pain
While having the right gaming chair is important, it’s also essential to use it correctly to minimize back pain. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your gaming chair:
Correct posture
Make sure you sit with your back straight, your shoulders relaxed, and your feet flat on the floor. Avoid slouching or hunching over.
Adjustable chair height
The chair should be adjusted so that your eyes are level with the top of your computer screen. This will help prevent neck and back strain.
Proper lumbar support
Make sure the lumbar support on your chair is adjusted correctly to support the natural curve of your lower back.
Regular breaks
It’s important to take regular breaks while gaming to stretch your back and prevent stiffness. Try to stand up and move around every hour or so.
What makes a gaming chair special?
Compared to the average office chair, a gaming chair offers some important advantages.
Support
Gaming chairs often come with extra lumbar and head cushions that can be attached or removed as needed. These offer much better support compared to integrated options often found on high-end office chairs.
Adaptability
By and large, most gaming chairs come with armrests that move up/down, left/right, in/out, and swivel up to 45 degrees. Typically, gaming chairs have the backrest almost horizontal, and the seat itself can be reclined (via a “swing” mechanism) and lowered/raised.
Design
Let’s be honest: gaming chairs look cooler than office chairs. But the stylistic choices that make a gaming chair look like a racing chair also make it extremely comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Build quality
The best gaming chairs are exceptionally sturdy. Many are made of leather (genuine or synthetic) and almost all have solid iron/steel frames and bases and casters. As a result, they are heavy but can carry significant weight.
Are gaming chairs good for back problems?
Using a gaming chair has many advantages. Gaming chairs can be used with regular desks with little or no modification (a stark contrast to the old-fashioned bean bag chair).
In addition, they are available in many different price ranges and designs.
Gaming chairs are designed to provide ergonomic, healthy seating positions to keep your back in good posture while you play.
From improving back alignment to aiding recovery while relieving pain, there’s no doubt – a gaming chair is an essential part of computer gaming. They also help players avoid long hours of emaciated posture that lead to more intense pain while developing serious spinal injuries such as facet joint syndrome or lumbar canal stenosis.
You probably know it: Whether it’s your own favorite or the new hit – long gaming sessions are not uncommon. But do you also struggle with back pain and tension when you sit for a long time in front of the computer? Do your muscles even cramp and the relaxed evening with your favorite game becomes torture? Then it’s time to tackle the subject of ergonomic sitting.
Why it is so important to sit ergonomically
Statistically speaking, people tend to sit for an average of 8.5 hours per day. But students and young professionals do this for a particularly long time – here it is even 10.5 hours on average.
If your evening program also consists of a relaxed gaming session, you can quickly add up to 10 to 14 hours a day that you spend in the chair. If you slack off and/or barely move, you will feel it sooner or later. Because the wrong posture promotes tension, and pain and restricts blood circulation, so that you become less concentrated and stressed more easily.
But what can you do about it? The answer is as simple as it is effective: sit ergonomically. If you adjust your posture accordingly, you stimulate your muscles and tendons. In addition, you stimulate the blood supply with a little dynamism, so that your brain is supplied with more oxygen and can work better again. Basically, with the right equipment, you can spend more time at your desk. Meaning: more time for your favorite games!
The following functions are typical in a gaming chair:
- high backrest with supporting cheeks
- adjustable seat height and armrests
- rocker function
- comfortable padding
Tips for ergonomic sitting
Think you’ve found the best gaming chair for your needs? Then we want to give you some more tips to take with you. For ergonomic sitting, it starts with the furniture. You also have to do something yourself to really protect your back effectively.
The key word here is dynamism. The movement promotes blood circulation, which we have already described above. So keep rocking back and forth, changing positions, and getting up occasionally. It is best not to stay in one position for more than 20 minutes. You can also build your own individual gaming table. If this is adjustable in height, the whole thing is much simpler.
In general, you should also arrange the rest of your installation ergonomically. Adjust the monitor height, keyboard, and mouse shape accordingly. A footrest can also promote your natural posture. If you then regularly remind yourself to sit up straight, you are already taking the right step towards back pain and co.
Wheels, cushions, and legs for safe sitting
The above criteria are really the best for ergonomic sitting. But other areas are also important to make gaming comfortable for you for a long time. First of all, it is the reference. Here you usually have the choice between textile, artificial and genuine leather. Each has its own pros and cons that you should weigh:
You should also take a look at the foot when you buy. Variants in the form of a cross with five braces are particularly stable. The structure itself should be made of metal (aluminum or steel) if possible. Plastic breaks much faster and does not last as long, especially under long-term stress.
Speaking of plastic and chair legs: Of course, the best gaming chair for your workplace needs the right wheels. These should be adapted to the subsoil. Rubber variants with more grip are recommended for smooth floors such as parquet or tiles. On the other hand, if you have a carpet, you can also use classic plastic options. Important: If your floor slopes slightly, make sure it has a locking feature so you don’t slide off permanently.
Frequently asked questions
Are gaming chairs always ergonomic?
The aim of ergonomics is to adapt work to the abilities and characteristics of an individual. Put simply, a chair is ergonomic if it can be adapted to the human anatomy. Each gaming chair can be adjusted and adapted to the individual requirements of its user. So it can be said: Yes, gaming chairs are always ergonomic.
What is the difference between a gaming chair and an office chair?
The differences between the two types of office chairs are mainly in the design and the customization options. Office chairs tend to have simple but quality designs and offer fewer customization options than gamer chairs.
Which gaming chair is suitable for children?
Gaming chairs for kids should have a smaller seat base and a lower seat height. The armrests should be adjustable to the height of the child. Some manufacturers offer special gaming chairs for children.
Are gaming chairs good for your back?
Dynamic sitting that is adapted to the anatomy and frequently changing the sitting position is good for the body. A gaming chair offers good conditions for this.
