If you are still working from home - there is definitely a need for the best back supports for office chairs in your life. Since the blur between a work and life balance has risen dramatically since working from home, it's easy to find yourself logging on to check emails, getting that report done, or completing any other general admin that's needed to be done outside of your normal hours.
Making your office space at home a place with healthy boundaries with comfortable seating is integral to working from home. According to Accountancy Age, "British workers will spend an average of 3,515 full days at work over the course of their lifetime." That's roughly over nine and a half years that you spend working - and when you put it like that, it's an awfully long time to spend at home without the proper setup.
Best back supports for office chairs at a glance:
Having a good posture is not only important for longevity but can help reduce headaches and general discomfort too. Whether you opt for the best posture correctors or an orthopaedic cushion is up to you - but taking your spinal health seriously is very important no matter what age.
Michael Fatica, a Consultant Osteopath for The Back in Shape Program (BIS) has a key piece of advice for desk workers: "Be a fidget… your back will love it! Sitting still for extended periods when working, whether at home or in the office, is no good for your lower back and in particular, it allows the sustained stretch on the ligaments to deform them through a process called creep. The great thing is that creep doesn’t happen if you take the stretch off. So being fidgety disrupts the number one issue with long hours at a desk. Most simply, this is just repositioning yourself in your seat, or better still, getting up at regular intervals to walk around, get a drink – anything that gets the body and spine out of one set position."
With more time spent sitting around in our home office, the support we need from our office chairs has never been more crucial. Whether you are looking for a back support cushion or a massager - we have curated this incredible list of back supports for office chairs so that you'll never have to experience aches and pains from sitting down for too long again.
Best back supports for office chairs
Tested
What sets the Supportiback Lumbar Support Pillow apart from others is its high-quality foam that's not too soft and adapts to support your unique posture. Its density reduces micromovements that can cause discomfort. This premium visco-elastic memory foam lumbar support cushion, designed by physicians, relieves back pressure and reduces tension for 98% of users. It fits any chair up to 32 inches wide, secures easily, and has a machine-washable cover. Its Fresh-Touch cover is two times cooler, with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to prevent back sweat.
Our tester said: "I am 39 years old and work from home as a Graphic Designer. Sitting for long periods really strains my lower back, particularly because of my bad posture and slouching.
I try to do things daily, such as Pilates, to help with this, but I felt I needed to try some sort of support pillow to support my back while sitting at my desk daily. I tested the lumbar support pillow for three weeks. It was very easy to position my chair using the extendable positioning strap around the back of the chair.
"The lumbar support cushion sits flush against the back of the chair and fits your natural lumbar curve, providing support that feels like it’s made especially for you.
"It took a good couple of days to get used to how the support cushion felt. To begin with, I felt like it was pushing me too far forward towards my desk when, in fact, it was just my posture being corrected, and as a result, I was no longer slouching! I feel like the memory foam adapts so well to your body shape, and as a result, it provides the perfect amount of support that is not too firm or soft.
"I can feel the benefits of using the support cushion for a few weeks now. I now find myself correcting my posture when sitting elsewhere around the house, and I believe this is down to the fact that I am strengthening my posture muscles daily now. As a result, my posture has improved. My lower back pain hasn’t disappeared completely, but I am no longer in pain whilst sitting at my desk.
"This has greatly impacted my ability to sit comfortably at my desk all day. I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from back pain or spends a lot of time sitting. To transform my office chair for under £15 – this cushion is worth its money! For such an inexpensive cushion, I really wish I had tried it sooner!"
Pros
- Award-winning best seller and popular with customers
- Because everyone's posture is unique, this cushion adapts to your body shape to provide tailored support
- Breathable material that allows air to flow and keeps your back cool
- Immediate relief for back pain and corrects posture without having to think about it
- Very lightweight and easily portable
Cons
- Only available in the colour black
| Dimensions: | 33 x 9 x 31cm |
| Material: | Memory foam |
| Weight: | 470g |
Tested
The Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Lumbar Support cushion alleviates discomfort by providing personalised and long-lasting support through its body heat-responsive memory foam. Unlike other cushions that may lose shape over time, this one promises to maintain its form without flattening or sagging.
Depending on where it’s positioned, it can support the upper, middle and lower back, helping to relieve back pain and improve posture in various settings, whether on an office chair, car seat or wheelchair. It has a breathable mesh cover to avoid overheating and keep you cool, as well as dual adjustable straps that ensure a secure fit on chairs up to 32 inches wide.
A range of seat cushions and footrest pillows are available from Everlasting Comfort on Amazon UK.
Our tester said: "I also have a slight curvature of the spine, which causes issues with my neck, and since reaching 40, I’ve noticed increased pain in my hips and lower back, so I’m always on the lookout for products that will help my posture and reduce those niggly aches and pains. I was keen to see if this could help.
"I tested the cushion over the course of a month, using it from 9-5.30 every day at my desk. It’s designed to be left on the seat it’s attached to but depending on my aches and pains, I did move it up and down the chair to see how it affected them. For instance, I generally used it at the base of the chair back, which I found comfortable in day-to-day use.
"In terms of durability, I can see that the Everlasting Support cushion is likely to live up to its name – the foam feels very strong, and I can’t see it losing shape anytime soon. The buckles on the straps feel strong and well-made, so I don’t have any concerns about them breaking. The cover zips off easily for washing, and it’s easy to put it back on again.
"The Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Lumbar Support cushion is a high-quality product if you’re looking for a lumbar support cushion.
"Whether it helps with aches and pains is less conclusive – while I’ve been able to sit comfortably for long periods of time at my desk when my hips and lower back did start to hurt, this cushion didn’t provide the right comfort. I suspect that the combination of the seat support cushion and this back cushion may be better but that doubles the price. In conclusion, I will continue to use the cushion as I don’t believe it’s had any negative impact on my back or hips, and has made sitting for long periods of time slightly more comfortable for my lower back."
Pros
- High-quality memory foam that keeps its structure and supports the curvature of your spine
- Lightweight and portable – use it in the car as well as at a desk
- Can be moved up and down the back of the chair depending on need
- High-quality buckles and straps
- Good price point
Cons
- Debatable as to whether it worked
| Dimensions: | 33.02 x 10.16 x 33.02cm |
| Material: | Memory foam; Breathable Mesh Fabric 100% Polyester |
| Weight: | 680.39g |
| Washing: | Washable removable cover. Foam cannot be washed |
| Guarantee: | Lifetime Replacement Guarantee |
Best multi-use back support
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Back support covers more than just your home desk, right? If you're looking for a lumbar support cushion to accompany you on the journey of life, you're looking at it. Although this is plugged into a car seat, it can also be used in conjunction with your office chair. However, if you suffer from neck and shoulder pain, this might not be the option for you.
87 per cent of Argos customers recommend this cushion, which has a rating of 4.3 out of 5. The majority of reviews say this simple support is effective at providing lumbar support. But, some people have found it didn't quite work with the design of their car seat. In general, the majority of customers are pleased with their purchase. At less than £20, it's a cost-effective solution to easing back pain.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Lightweight and portable – use it in the car
Cons
- A customer comments that the cushion didn't quite mould to the contours of their car seat
| Dimensions: | 37 x 29 x 10cm |
| Material: | Luxury leather-look material |
| Weight: | n/a |
Best gel back support
FeagarAvailable with either memory foam or gel memory foam, this Feagar lumbar pillow can effectively support your upper, middle or lower back. It is another pillow that can easily be transferred between any seat (and not just your office chair). This isn't the firmest option on this list, but it makes up for it in comfort.
Customers praise this back pillow for being extremely comfortable. Several have tried other makes, but this Feagar back support really works for them. In particular, reviews recommend it for desk-bound workers who sit at a computer for long periods of time. However, if you have more complex back issues, this cushion doesn't quite provide firm ergonomic support. Moreover, customers say it's soft and comfortable.
Pros
- Memory foam or gel that's extremely comfortable
- Soft and supportive so its's for long periods spent sitting
- 4D mesh fabric that's breathable and keeps you cool
Cons
- It isn't the firmest option so it cannot provide ergonomic support for worsening posture issues
| Dimensions: | 44 x 34 x 13cm |
| Material: | Memory foam |
| Weight: | 539.8g approx |
Best back support and massager in one
HOMEDICSAre you holding a lot of tension while you work? Put on some calming music and take a break with this HOMEDICS Shiatsu Back and Shoulder Massage Seat. It's not your conventional back support; rather, it assists with stiff neck problems and relieves pain in sore muscles. Who wouldn't want to reduce their stress levels with a nice relaxing Shiatsu massage? Yes, it's not a purchase that you'll use every second of your working week, but it will help ease any lower back pain.
Customers highly praise this automatic back massager for delivering a strong and therapeutic massage. It helps relieve aches and pains, and you can tailor the intensity of the massage to your needs.
While it's not a premium shiatsu massage chair, for its price point we recommended it for helping you to unwind after a busy day. Just bear in mind that some customers felt it was too hard and it was not the right product for those who have more complex back problems.
Pros
- Massager and support all-in-one
- Different intensities of massage to help you to relax or loosen tight muscles
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not your conventional back support; if you have complex back issues, this may not be the right product
| Dimensions: | 64.70 x W:12 x H:42 |
| Material: | |
| Weight: | 3.54 |
Best mesh back support
FellowesThis curved mesh support straps onto the back of your desk chair and helps improve your posture by maintaining the natural curve of your spine.
The mesh material is breathable, so it keeps you cool while you're sitting for long periods of time. Fellowes Suites Mesh Back Support easily attaches to any chair, and it has a tri-tensioning attachment to minimise slipping.
Customers say this back support has helped eliminate some of their back issues. It also prevents slouching and reviews highly recommend it for workers who sit at desks full-time.
In addition, Fellowes has a range of back supports to help alleviate strain on particular areas.
Pros
- Amazon's Choice recommended product
- Good value for money
- Effective at reducing lower back pain
- Improves posture by preventing slouching
Cons
- It's not padded therefore, it's not overly comfortable
| Dimensions: | 14.12 x 43.97 x 51.28cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Weight: | 499g |
Best lumbar support to relieve lower back pain
TheComfortZoneThe ComfortZone Lumbar Support Pillow is designed to support the spine, coccyx and tailbone and help reduce sciatica and lower back pain. It can be especially beneficial to those suffering from bulging or herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
The supportive cushion is premium, slow-rebound memory foam with a luxurious velvet cover. The strap is fully adjustable to fit a range of seating. It can be used in vehicles, on chairs at home or in the office.
Customers praise this lumbar support for being comfortable, supportive and good value for money. However, some reviews commented that the foam filling was of poor quality. The majority of customers are happy with their purchase and use this back support in the car as well as for desk-based work.
Pros
- Effective lumbar support to relieve lower back issues
- Promotes better posture, supporting the natural contours of your body
- Comfortable padding and velvet cover feels good to touch
Cons
- Some reviews comment that the foam is not of good quality
| Dimensions: | H45 x W38 x D12cm |
| Material: | Memory foam |
| Weight: | 703g |
Best back support for ergonomic design
FORTEMThe FORTEM Chair Cushion can be positioned to suit your body shape. Its ergonomic design promotes good posture. The seat cushion is a U-shape that's designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone. Two adjustable elastic straps secure the cushion and its non-slip bottom ensures it stays in place. This chair cushion is light enough to carry on your travels. Take it anywhere to make a park bench or an aeroplane seat a bit comfier. It can be used on a desk chair, wheelchair, or mobility scooter to improve the comfort of the seating.
This is a hugely popular back support, with over 23,220 reviews on Amazon rating FORTEM products 4.3 out of 5. Customers comment that the support has significantly improved their comfort, acting like a shock absorber and reducing back pain. However, some people found that the seat was a bit uncomfortable for long periods of sitting.
Pros
- Portable and can be used to improve the comfort of a range of seating
- Breathable mesh cover that's machine washable
- Available in large and extra-large, plus a range of attractive colours and fabrics
Cons
- Seat section can be uncomfortable when sitting for a long time
| Dimensions: | Large 45.7 x 35.5cm |
| Material: | Memory foam, velour |
| Weight: | 1.71kg |
Best back support for memory foam cushioning
MedipaqThis Medipaq cushion is a great option for portable and discreet support. It's made from premium memory foam and backed by 40 years of development. The Medipaq 3D Mesh Back Lumbar Support aligns your spine and corrects poor posture. Use it at home, in the car, or at the office—its compact size makes it ideal for travel.
Customers praise the Medipaq lumber support for being made of dense foam that helped them to sit upright. For people who like a firm mattress, this type of memory foam may be suitable. However, some users found that it was a little too firm for them. At less than £25, it's an ergonomic lumbar support that's worth a try if you feel the benefit of firm and supportive cushioning.
Pros
- Ergonomic shape for comfort and support
- Compact size means it's portable; great for travelling
- The high quality memory foam is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial
- 3D mesh cover is removable, washable and breathable, plus it's available in a range of colours
Cons
- The dense memory foam might be too firm for some
| Dimensions: | 35 x 34 x 12cm |
| Material: | Memory foam |
| Weight: | 750g |
Buyer's guide: What to consider when buying a back support for an office chair
Finding the right back support is essential if you're experiencing varying levels of back discomfort or chronic pain. Here’s what to keep in mind when selecting the best back support for your office chair.
How do you intend to use it?
Decide if you want it primarily for posture correction, pain relief or general comfort, as each focus may affect which design is best for you. Also, consider where and how you’ll frequently use the back support. If it’s mainly for the office, look for a design that fits a desk chair and provides sustained support. If it's intended for a car seat or sofa, consider more versatile options that adapt to different types of seating.
Shape
Choosing the right shape for your needs can greatly improve your comfort and the effectiveness of back support. Back supports come in various shapes, such as lumbar rolls, full-seat back cushions, contoured designs and pillows to help with back pain. Lumbar rolls provide targeted lower back support, while seat back cushions offer more coverage for extended periods of comfort. Contoured designs align with the natural curve of your spine and are particularly helpful for posture correction.
Materials
Back supports are made from high-quality, durable materials to ensure both comfort and stability. Memory foam is popular for its ability to contour to your body, providing firm support that encourages proper alignment.
Breathable mesh fabric is a great choice for the cover, as it promotes airflow, keeps your back cool and reduces sweating.
Firmness
The firmness of a back support is a key factor in how comfortable and supportive it will feel. Memory foam tends to be firmer, moulding to your body’s shape and providing consistent support to help with posture. Gel-filled supports are generally softer, offering comfort and pressure relief. Like choosing a mattress, firmness preferences will vary from individual to individual. Try different options to find the right level of support for your needs.
Ergonomic design
Look for back supports that are ergonomically designed to encourage proper posture and provide optimal lumbar support. A good ergonomic design alleviates pressure on the lower back and supports spinal health. This feature is especially important if you spend long hours sitting, as it can reduce strain and improve overall comfort.
Adjustability
Back supports with adjustable straps can help position the support in just the right spot for support and pain relief.
Compatibility
Make sure the back support you choose is compatible with your chair, whether it’s an office chair, car seat or another type of seating. Check that it fits well and doesn’t interfere with the chair’s existing functions, like reclining or adjustable armrests, to ensure it provides the best possible support.
Care instructions
Choose a back support with a removable, washable cover for easy washing. Regular cleaning will keep the support fresh, especially with daily use.
If you can, try before you buy
Since there’s no universal solution, take your time to find a support that meets your personal needs. Whenever possible, try before you buy to ensure that the support feels right, relieves pressure, and helps maintain a good posture. In addition, make sure you do daily exercises to improve posture as this will build up your core strength.
Ask the expert
Mr Michael Fatica is Lead Consultant Osteopath from online back rehabilitation program Back In Shape and answers our frequently asked questions on back supports for office chairs.
Best back support for office chair FAQs
Do back supports for office chairs help with posture?
"When used correctly, with your bottom in the back of the chair and when it supports the lordosis of the spine (the natural arch), they can help support good posture. But, the person still needs to use them properly as it can be all too easy to use them as an equally effective aid in slouching!
"Good posture requires that you consciously sit upright too, and these supports can make this more achievable."
Are lumbar rolls or full-back supports better for office chairs?
"Often, the rolls and supports tend to be a little too large and, therefore, provide support too high up the lower back to be as effective as they could be as they cause you to be ‘pushed away’ from the seat itself. Although this can be helpful for a while, it tends to cause you to use more of your own muscles to hold the posture rather than having the support of the entirety of the seat.
"So, while they can be of use, they can also lead to tiring of the back muscles ... but the natural, inevitable fatigue can be misconstrued as pain, in the same way, your legs might be tired after a 10km run."
How do I choose the right back support size for my office chair?
"The smaller, more focused rolls around the size of a tennis ball diameter, or slightly larger, but not quite as large as a foam roller, are best. As an alternative, I would actually recommend a small kitchen towel rolled up as a better option because you have to use it correctly, with your whole back in contact with the seat. Then, if you ‘lose’ good posture at any point, the towel will fall down the back of the chair, prompting you to reposition it."
Can I use a back support with any office chair?
"You can, but you must be mindful that many office chairs nowadays have “back support” built into the fabric, so you might be doubling up on the chair’s existing built-in mechanisms. This is another reason why a smaller towel can be a little more helpful and adjustable."
What's the best way to reduce the likelihood of developing back pain in a desk-based job?
Mr Fatica explains the steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing back pain.
Invest in an electric sit/standing desk
"Sit/standing desks are another great tool here, and electric rather than manual versions. Use a timer every 20-30 minutes and be sure to switch positions. The regular switching – providing it doesn’t disrupt the task at hand too much – is another extension of the “fidget principle”. Combined with the above, this can really help keep stress moving around the lower back, spine and muscles, instead of focusing on one specific area."
Get a posture chair
"This could be a kneeling chair, a perching chair, or even a swiss/balance ball. The thing with these chairs is that they often allow you to work a good posture and also, like the kneeling and perching chairs or stools, they allow for a lower level of strain on your lower back from the hamstrings."
Incorporate the ‘towel stretch’ into your daily work routine
"This is a great exercise for lower back health and easy to do during the day, whether working from home or in the office. A smaller towel, the size of a tea towel or hand towel, rolled tightly and placed between your lower back and the seat can help support the natural arch in your lower back and prevent strain focusing disproportionately on the lower lumbar spine."
The Towel Stretch
Relax for two to five minutes.
• Roll up a bath towel tightly to approximately the size of a foam roller.
• Lie on your back with knees bent.
• Engage your core and lift your bottom and back off the floor.
• Place the towel in the small of your back.
• Relax slowly onto the towel – it should support the natural arch of your back.
• Place your hands on your tummy and relax.
• Afterwards, engage your core and roll your body to the side to dismount, do NOT lift your bottom.
Top tip: Initially, the lower back can be a little achy or uncomfortable as it is gently unloaded. However, with repetition, it becomes increasingly pleasant. If you struggle, you can always begin with just 20 to 30 seconds at a time.
Other top tips include:
Drink more water during the day
"Firstly, this will keep you more hydrated, which is only going to be positive for your health. Secondly, you’ll be forced to get up more regularly to either fill up the bottle or visit the bathroom!"
Do away with unnecessary aids
"While aids such as footrests and reclining chairs may seem like a good idea at the time, they could actually be making the problem worse by ‘rounding’ a person’s lower back. This will increase the compression at the lower lumbar spine."
"The next step is to devote a relatively small amount of time each week to engaging in resistance exercises that build both core and spinal strength – such as squats, lunges and hip hinges. Although things like Pilates and yoga are good for core strength and flexibility, these common choices miss the all-important spinal strengthening part, not to mention unhelpful practices like pelvic tucks to flatten your lower back during some of the exercises which are bad for your back health long term."
"The key is for people to realise how their body is designed to move! It may seem obvious, but many people don’t do enough exercise to stimulate their muscles, no matter whether they’re in the office or at home. As a result, back muscles become weak and more prone to stress. We forget how these muscles are needed to support us for 70+ years, so it’s vital we maintain them to enjoy many pain-free years to come, long after we’ve left the office and into retirement."
Michael Fatica is a Consultant Osteopath for The Back in Shape Program (BIS), an online rehabilitation program for treating back pain. He studied at the University College of Osteopathy and has been treating and advising patients for the past 10 years, specialising in the spine and spinal mechanics.
Lily Anderson has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Mother&Baby Yours, What’s The Best, Closer, heat and Spirit and Destiny as a Deputy Commercial Content Editor since 2019 and currently works at CPSL Mind as a Deputy Campaigns and Communications Manager.