Ergonomic Office Chair for WFH (Have Back Issues)

tgpraveen on 29/05/2023 - 14:49
Last edited 29/05/2023 - 15:25

I work 02 - 03 days from home and am typical office drone. I have some history of lower back pain over last 10 years, and my current cheapo Officeworks chair isn't helping, which is why I am looking to get something better.

Criteria:
* My company has agreed to pay $299 for a new office chair for use during WFH, and I am happy to add another $100 - $200 (if it helps me get a really good chair).
* Has to be new; no second hand chairs would be possible (Company policy for getting their employee benefit).
* Ideally, something that is a longer term buy. Thanks.

Find Me A Bargain Chair Office Chair

Comments

  • Taro Milk Tea on 29/05/2023 - 15:16
    -5

    work full time back in office since they have better quality chair for your back issues.

    • Brian McGee on 29/05/2023 - 15:18
      +2

      work full time back

      I work full time with my back, can't be seperated from it.

    • ColtNoir on 30/05/2023 - 11:42
      +1

      Not all companies. My old company (major telco ) had chair equivalent to $299 officeworks chairs that were 10 years old. These chairs even breached their own WHS policy.

      Not everywhere has Aerons

  • jv on 29/05/2023 - 15:23
    -2

    Get a second hand one.

    Try it out first from a reseller.

    • Aleigh123 on 29/05/2023 - 15:39
      +3

      "Has to be new; no second hand chairs would be possible (Company policy for getting their employee benefit)."

      • jv on 29/05/2023 - 19:08

        So the company is encouraging waste and contributing to unnecessary production of greenhouse gasses.
        Great policy…. 🙄

        • TEER3X on 29/05/2023 - 19:10
          -2

          I think they just need a receipt, more legit if new.

          Also, greenhouse gases are only a theory not really relevant to this discussion

  • Stopback on 29/05/2023 - 15:35

    Pay for a physio please

  • Gnostikos on 29/05/2023 - 15:37
    +6

    Have you seen a physio/chiro/doctor to determine the actual cause of your lower back pain? Have you had any medical imaging done on your spine?

    Without a an actual diagnosis being made it's hard to tell whether merely changing chairs will actually make any difference for you.

    If you have some kind of mild, undiagnosed scoliosis for example, then it's definitely going to a require holistic approach to resolve involving a specific exercise routine, physical therapy, stretches and other forms of treatment; not just swapping chairs.

    In any case, I'd say investing in a electric sit/stand desk would probably be the better alternative as staying in any position for too long while working is terrible not only for your spine/back but also your health in general and a sit/stand desk allows you to vary your working posture throughout the day which is much healthier.

    Sitting on a 60cm inflatable exercise ball instead of a traditional computer chair is also something a lot of physios/chiros would recommend as it actually promotes much better posture and utilises your core and back muscles to brace your seating position.

    • Tricon on 29/05/2023 - 22:00

      is also something a lot of physios/chiros would recommend

      Perhaps not all workplaces. WFH is a workplace too.

      https://safety.unsw.edu.au/office-safety-toolkit/fitness-bal…

      Perhaps some peer reviewers suggest caution.

      https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/exer…

      Suggesting not to use it as a seat replacement

      https://posturepeople.co.uk/sitting-gym-ball-work-facts/

      Happy to understand benefits of a ball as a seat especially if there are reputable studies.

      • Gnostikos on 30/05/2023 - 18:57

        I'll reiterate how physios/chiros and orthopaedic specialists have explained this to me: when the base of your vertebral column is compressed against a hard surface like many common desk chairs for a prolonged period of time, it basically jars the spinal column especially the lumbar vertebrate, which are less flexible and mobile to begin with. The surrounding fascia and muscles around these vertebrate effectively become seized or locked in a prolonged state of contraction due to the lack of postural variation and when they attempt to relax in different postures/positions they paradoxically spasm and contract further due to prolonged overuse, which causes generalised lower back pain (in a manner similar to a severe muscular cramp during strenuous exercise).

        The benefit of sitting on an exercise ball for some stretches of time throughout the day is that the exercise ball is a non-rigid surface which doesn't create as much oppositional tension in the lower back and doesn't load the lower vertebrae as much as a hard surface does. As the exercise ball requires you to adjust your posture with micro-movements regularly to maintain a balanced position, it involves different muscle groups from your back, core and legs and distributes the muscular loading across a varied array of muscles. To maintain good posture on an exercise ball, you need to use your core muscles, lower back and legs simultaneously, which helps to the take some of the loading off the lower back muscles.

        As I stated, the most important aspect is: do not stay in any one position for too long throughout the day.

        There is no chair, no matter how ergonomically well-designed, that you should be sitting in for more than a 2-3 hour stretch of time.
        Likewise, you should not be using a standing desk all day long as that simply shifts the burden onto different muscle groups in your posterior chain and causes them to be overused.

        The key is variety, you need to be utilising different muscle groups throughout the day and changing your routine frequently.

    • ozbjunkie on 30/05/2023 - 08:15

      Stellar answer

      I'd say sitting on a ball is good if done with good posture, but for long periods it's not likely that people maintain that posture. And if you're going to slouch better to do that on a chair (less mechanically problematic adaptations to maintaining posture with some support)

      Hence my advice is what you said first about not sitting for long periods. Something uncomfortable but supportive can work here. Sit stand is great. Also having a few different chairs / workspaces can mean you vary the drawbacks of each chair and thereby minimise the pain in particular areas of the body.

      Source: chair lover with back pain and a lifelong physio subscription

  • admira on 29/05/2023 - 16:10
    +2

    plenty of "challenge my assumptions" instead of answers. I bought one of these:

    https://www.pimpmyoffice.com.au/products/luminous-mesh-chair…

    and though I don't suffer from back pain, it has been comfortable and sturdy since the beginning of COVID. I hope that helps!

    • Gnostikos on 29/05/2023 - 16:12
      -1

      plenty of "challenge my assumptions" instead of answers.

      Because that's what they are, assumptions.
      The OP probably hasn't done anything to confirm the cause of his back pain, which is the most important factor to take into account here.

      Changing chairs when you've got disc issues, scoliosis or something seriously wrong with your spine is like switching deck chairs on the Titanic and completely barking up the wrong tree.

      • admira on 29/05/2023 - 16:31
        +2

        and you are assuming that they haven't done anything (despite actually having no idea of what the OP has or hasn't done) and not answered the question they asked. Anyway, I hope they get useful advice from the thread.

        • Gnostikos on 29/05/2023 - 17:29
          +1

          and you are assuming that they haven't done anything

          If they did, they would realise most causes of chronic back pain lasting 10 years or more can't be resolved merely by switching to a "better" chair nor is that the most important method of treating chronic back pain.

          Anyway, I hope they get useful advice from the thread.

          They would if they actually provided useful information about their needs/specific issues instead of just asking strangers to list off random chairs they can find on the Internet that cost $300 dollars or less, which they could easily do themselves. Your height, weight and natural posture all make a huge difference to how well a particular chair will suit you or how comfortable it will be.

          So many posters on OzBargain omit crucial details and context in their threads and then expect other forum members to miraculously figure out sh*t for them on the basis of a one sentence description of a problem they have. It's ridiculous and reeks of entitled laziness.

          The more detailed information you provide, the better chance you have of someone genuinely being able to help you out.

          Most of these posts are akin to walking into a doctor's office and saying "My arm won't!" or stating to a mechanic "My car doesn't!" and then leaving it at that.

      • pjetson on 29/05/2023 - 16:55

        switching deck chairs on the Titanic and completely barking up the wrong tree

        Did they have trees on the Titanic?

  • sumyungguy on 29/05/2023 - 16:36

    I've had past experience with Gregory Ergonomic Chairs which are a little above your price range, but much cheaper than a Steelcase Leap, Herman Miller Aeron or Cosm.

    • tgpraveen on 29/05/2023 - 20:57

      You recommend?

      • sumyungguy on 29/05/2023 - 21:02

        Yes - we used to have a Gregory reseller bring in the different models for people to try. My employer back in the day was geninunely safety-focussed so didn't skimp on quality seating, though Aerons were a bridge too far. In some workplaces everyone gets an Aeron.

      • iamherenow on 29/05/2023 - 21:58

        Quality chair. But mine didn't recline. I find being able to switch between upright and recline makes a days work much more tolerable.

        You really need to try the chair before buying.

  • brendanm on 29/05/2023 - 16:46
    +5

    I work 02 - 03 days

    What a strange way to write this.

    • pjetson on 29/05/2023 - 16:57
      +4

      Cobol programmer?

  • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2023 - 16:59
    +1

    Radar III Ergonomic Fabric Chair add a $100

    • Gnostikos on 29/05/2023 - 17:27

      That looks like a carbon copy of the Haworth Zody. I wonder who's ripping off who.

  • Caped Baldy on 29/05/2023 - 17:06
    +3

    I just ordered a Steelcase Leap v2. The one without armrests can be had for $910 excluding delivery. I am aware it's outside your price range however it is tax deductible and considering the amount of time spent in the chair you don't want to cheap out imo.

    • meowsers on 29/05/2023 - 19:25
      +2

      Was coming here to say this.

      If you are working out of this thing, just buy once and cry once. I have this chair and it is worth every single penny. Got it when they had the google/telstra WFH specials.

    • Ghost47 on 29/05/2023 - 23:57
      +1

      An office chair for WFH is tax deductible?

      • sumyungguy on 30/05/2023 - 08:21
        +1

        ATO | Work from Home Expenses | Actual Cost Method | If the item cost $300 or less and you use it mainly for a work-related purpose, you can claim an immediate deduction for its cost in the year you buy it.

      • Caped Baldy on 30/05/2023 - 08:40
        +1

        You can claim it for any value. If over $300, you need to apportion the private use and work use. The cost will be depreciated over several years (ie you won't get the whole value back straightaway).

    • ozbjunkie on 30/05/2023 - 08:17

      Agree this is a fantastic choice, my fav coming from a Mirra previously.

      But still, no chair will get rid of backpain or back problems it will just allow them to develop slower.

      At least that's been my observations of having to stay out of my beloved Steelcase leap as much as enjoying sitting in it.

      • Caped Baldy on 30/05/2023 - 08:42

        I had a second hand leap so hoping this one is good. I heard mixed things about the other models. Shame the head rest is meant to be a bit shit on the leap v2.

        I think it needs to be in combination with the proper exercise but who has the time for that? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

  • Pcosmic on 29/05/2023 - 17:46
    +3

    If wfh, lie down and work. Good for back posture

    • orangehead911 on 30/05/2023 - 08:12

      I did that for a long time after I injured my back. Doesn’t help with posture though… 🙃

      • Pcosmic on 30/05/2023 - 11:35

        As long as you keep your back is straight. Do it in moderation

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 29/05/2023 - 18:40
    -1

    Exercise more, see a doctor and a physio, then worry about the chair.

  • hardcoreshilling on 30/05/2023 - 08:10
    +2

    Buy a Hernan Miller Aeron and stop being cheap. Buy it for life

  • orangehead911 on 30/05/2023 - 08:10

    I highly recommend the Herman Miller Arron chair. I have back issues as well and that chair saved me from having any issues from my back during COVID lockdowns, prior to and after. They’re not cheap, but when equipped for a home office is tax deductible.

    It’s a great quality chair and I would confidently buy a second hand one. The only thing to look out for would be the gas cartridge. On older chairs it would require a replacement for about $100.

  • Bilby s on 30/05/2023 - 10:38

    We spent some time researching chairs and the ones under $500 are functional but not that good. Look for adjustability, quality, spare parts and a long warranty. Most importantly try them out as you’ll be spending some time in them. In the end we spent more and bought a Steelcase that is currently 30% off. Expensive but worth it in the long term and we felt the resale will be pretty good vs the throwaway chairs.

  • 2esc on 30/05/2023 - 12:21

    Only you can find the chair for you. Back pain is different for each person and relief can also be different you can check out reviews and opinions but you need to go and sit in these chairs yourself hard to judge with a minute or 2 though.

    But choose a chair with a good range of adjustments because you might find after a couple hours intial comfort may not be there. Another option is a height adjustable desk standing may be a option.

  • davide14 on 30/05/2023 - 13:18
    +1

    You may have tried this already but if not I found that using a good footrest helped me. I have lower back issues too and tried one instead of putting my feed on the chair legs or floor. They are cheap compared to a chair and it improved my seating posture and reduced the pain I had.

  • IcemanF14 on 01/06/2023 - 03:33

    Try giving Joel Harris Office Supplies a call and speak to Les.
    He's been selling office furniture for years and really knows his stuff.
    He should even able to get samples for you to try before you purchase the chair to make sure it suits your needs and that you're comfortable in it.

    www.joelharris.net.au

  • Yarrph on 03/06/2023 - 01:17
    +1

    Pretty good office chair, would recommend over any used office chair. Great price and support, still feels sturdy as heck after 4 yrs. Not gonna be herman good but it is better than most wfo chairs i have sat in.

    https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/Deluxe-Mesh-Ergonomic-Of…

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