Back Pain

Upper back pain, need to buy a new computer chair - any suggestions?

My current computer chair is crap and I have to buy a new one. My problem is that I slouch forward when I sit, causing upper back pain. Can anyone tell me what the best type of chair is? I'm thinking of either leather or Mesh/Aeron. Would a built in head pillow be beneficial? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. i do the same thing i have 120 year old oak chair it belonged to my great great uncle but isn't that comfortable go to Staples, sit in a few chairs, you could get a good one for $80 to $150
2. The best chair is probably your kitchen chair . Put a pillow under your butt and sit up straight. Use ice bottles on the pain...instant relief after 10 min.
3. get a office chair.they recline and has padded seat and arms,and they swivel.very confortable.i wish i had 1.
4. Try a chair with adjustable arms as well as adjustable seat height. Some kind of lumbar support might help, even tho your pain is upper back. Also you might benefit from an adjustable footrest. Try these out in the store and see whether they relieve stress in your back.
5. Upper back pain is eased by support of the cervical/thoracic spine, so one of those Obus Formes with the small detachable pillow (velcroed) would be appropriate for your problem. At around $70.00, if this is not covered by your insurance, you may want to try one out prior to buying. Don't slouch. Keep the end of your butt against the back of the chair. Get a padded and/or ergonomic (curved) keyboard. Proper shoes are essential; they are your foundation for the way you carry yourself, and your gait, and ultimately affect your back. Orthotics may help. You should have a computer gait analysis: you walk on a designated area and a monitor determines your flaws in walking, and you are assessed for uniquely made orthotics. You may benefit from ibuprophen in its anti-inflammatory capacity, but root out the causes of back pain first. Do ROM (range of motion) exercises to maintain your capacity of movement and to "limber" muscles (lightly at first). Do warming up and cooling down exercises and light ROM stretches prior to and following repetitive actions, inactivity (sitting at computer) or strenuous activity. My source is: Been there, done that, been taught that.
6. Ergonomically designed chairs are great.