Sit smarter with Low Back Pain

A Chiropractor’s Guide to Choosing the Right Chair

This is the main reason why WellAdjusted 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 get next with it all.

The big problem I saw was that there was so much noise and choice out there for people searching for the right seat for them. Do you navigate on high price alone? Do you always go for a known high-street brand? What does all the technical language mean and is it even justified! 

This guide is here to cut through the noise and help 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 of time on the wrong office chair for you, pressure can build through the lumbar spine and pelvis. This can be due to the wrong joint angles for your height and body type. Without the right support, your pelvis tilts, your posture become static and your muscles start doing work they weren’t designed for. There is also the consideration of your circulation of your legs and lower body 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 and get in the way of the desk
• Thin, cheap cushioning that increases pressure points and joint strain
• Understanding how your chair works! Levers and buttons you had no idea existed

So what should you look for in a chair when you’ve got back pain?

 (and that’s why all our chairs have these options as standard!) 

·      Adjustable and supportive lumbar controls
Because everyone’s spine is different. Your lumbar support should adapt to your shape and needs.

 ·      Dynamic movement
Sitting still for hours is unnatural. Chairs that move with you reduce spinal compression and promote blood flow.

 ·      Seat depth adjustment
Your thighs should feel supported without pressure behind the knees. This promotes better posture and circulation.

 ·      Backrest height for all body types
Your upper and lower back should remain supported throughout the day, regardless of your height.

 ·      3D & 4D armrests
The right armrests reduce strain on your neck and shoulders without getting in the way of movement or your desk height

 ·      Memory foam or pressure relief options
Particularly helpful for existing pain or nerve sensitivity. Available on select models, these features improve comfort during long sessions.

 ·      Coccyx cut-out (optional)
A discreet pressure relief option available on bespoke models—ideal for tailbone sensitivity or nerve-based pain from coccyx injury.

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. It 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 and foam or mesh seat options.

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

This is the highest level of support we offer. Designed for people managing chronic long term back issues—or simply those who want the best.

Everything is customisable:

• Backrest shapes and sizes
• Seat cushion materials – foam, memory foam, pocket sprung (soft or firm)
• Arm rests fully customised
• Variety of 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

Feature	The Archer	The Catalyst	The Summit / Artisan
Adjustable lumbar support	✅	✅	✅
Dynamic movement	✅	✅	✅
Seat depth adjustment	✅	✅	✅
Backrest height adjustment	✅	✅	✅
3D/4D armrests	✅	✅	✅
Coccyx cut-out option	❌	❌	✅
Memory foam seat upgrade	✅	❌	✅
Virtual or in-person fitting	❌	❌	✅
Designed for	Up to 8+ hrs/day	8+ hrs/day	8+ hrs/day (tailored use)

Why trust this advice?

I’m a practicing chiropractor with nearly 10 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—ones 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.