A Chiropractor’s Guide to Choosing the Right Chair

This is the main reason why Well Adjusted Seating was first started.

As a chiropractor, I’ve seen the damage poor office seating can do—tight hips, stiff lower backs, and even sciatic nerve irritation. And the worst part? Most chairs that claim to be “ergonomic” still fall short, leaving you wondering where to go next.

The big problem I saw was the sheer noise and choice when people search for the right chair. Do you navigate on high price alone? Do you always go for a high-street brand? What does all the technical language mean—and is it even justified?

This guide cuts through the noise and helps you choose a chair that genuinely supports your body—whether you’re already in pain or want to avoid it altogether.

---

Why your back hurts when you sit

When you sit for long periods on the wrong chair for you, pressure can build through the lumbar spine and pelvis. Often it’s the wrong joint angles for your height and body type. Without the right support, your pelvis tilts, posture becomes static, and muscles start doing work they weren’t designed for. Circulation through the legs can also suffer due to compression.

Common chair problems I see in clinic

• Lack of proper lumbar support
• Seat depth that doesn’t suit the user
• No dynamic movement (fixed-position chairs)
• Armrests that force awkward shoulder positions or clash with desk height
• Thin, cheap cushioning that increases pressure points and joint strain
• Not understanding how your chair works—levers and buttons you didn’t know existed

---

What to look for if you’ve got back pain

(This is why our chairs include these options as standard.)

• Adjustable, supportive lumbar controls: everyone’s spine is different; your support should adapt to you.
• Dynamic movement: chairs that move with you reduce spinal compression and promote blood flow.
• Seat depth adjustment: thighs supported without pressure behind the knees for posture and circulation.
• Backrest height options: sustained support for upper and lower back across body types.
• 3D/4D armrests: reduce neck/shoulder strain without getting in the way of desk work.
• Memory foam or pressure-relief options: great for existing pain or nerve sensitivity.
• Coccyx cut-out (optional): discreet pressure relief on bespoke models for tailbone sensitivity.

---

Which chair is right for you?

The Archer – Postural support you can feel, all day long

The starting point for anyone ready to take their back pain seriously. Includes lumbar support, dynamic movement, and a supportive seat with optional memory foam. Best for users working up to 8 hours/day who need real ergonomic support without going bespoke.

The Catalyst – Elegant. Effortless. Engineered to move with you.

Built for longer workdays and deeper adjustability. Designed to support you through 8+ hours of focused work, with enhanced backrest and seat customisation for postural support and pain prevention. Mesh backrest; foam or mesh seat options.

The Summit (in person) / The Artisan (online) – Fully tailored. Expert fitted.

Our highest level of support—ideal for chronic, long-term issues or those who want the best.

• Backrest shapes and sizes
• Seat materials: foam, memory foam, pocket sprung (soft or firm)
• Fully customisable armrests
• Optional headrests
• Fabric colours, aluminium bases, seat piping
• Includes memory foam upgrades, coccyx cut-out option, and a virtual or in-person fitting with a chiropractor

---

Quick Comparison: Find Your Fit

---

Why trust this advice?

I’m a practising chiropractor and physical therapist with nearly 20 years of experience helping people get out of pain. I founded Well Adjusted Seating because I was tired of seeing patients struggle with unsuitable chairs—products that promised “ergonomic design” but delivered little real benefit.

Every chair we offer has been carefully selected or custom-built based on what I’ve seen work in practice. If you’re serious about solving your back pain, start with your seat.