Is There a Best Chair For Neck Pain?

In my humble opinion, the single most important factor, in your choice of chair to maintain a healthy spine, is chair height. The chair height can have a big impact on the position and stresses on your neck. Where you place your butt (Ie. your pelvis) dictates how easy or hard it is to make the positioning corrections to maintain a position of least stress (PLS). The most simple thing to look at when sitting while working at a computer, the easiest way to maintain proper low stress position on your spine is to have your hips higher than your knees when feet are flat on the floor.

When your hips drop lower than your knees, your pelvis is pulled under into a tucked under position creating a flexion force on your low back causing a tendency to round the lower and upper back and over extend your neck. This is the exact opposite of what we want to accomplish and the opposite of what our spines want to be happy and comfortable.

Simply sitting with your hips higher than your knees will make it much easier to maintain a spine neutral position. Spine neutral position means not too far rounded and not too far arched. I call this the position of least stress or, the PLS. This simple adjustment can decrease your neck pain and neck fatigue immediately.

Complicated chairs are overrated IMHO. Complicated chairs are typically not the best chairs for neck pain

Before you invest in a complicated chair just stop and think about what height you are putting your chair at and what position your hips/pelvis/butt is in relative to your knees. Once that position is good, with hips higher than knees, ideally you should be able to have an activated enough trunk to dynamically support yourself to work for some time. Therefore the best chair for neck pain is one that allows for proper pelvic alignment. In addition, don't forget about the 30 minute rule and get up and move around for an exercise snack and you will keep your body feeling energized and flexible.

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About The Author

Meet Dr. Dawn, a dedicated doctor of physical therapy since 1995. She became an orthopedic specialist in 2000 with an Orthopedic Manual Therapy Certification and earned a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from Oakland University in 2016 demonstrating a strong commitment to lifelong learning. Dawn opened her own practice in 2020, offering concierge physical therapy services to the Metro Detroit area.

Dawn has extensive experience working with a diverse range of patients facing both orthopedic and neurological challenges, as well as high performing athletes. However she has a strong passion and vast knowledge for working on the spine. Her years of dedicated practice and advanced training have equipped her with remarkable skills in movement assessment and rehabilitation. She takes pride in guiding clients through all stages of recovery—from post-injury or surgery rehabilitation, to  adventure travel preparation and golf performance.

Dawn was a triple sport collegiate athlete competing in diving, sailing, and gymnastics. Post college, Dawn has participated in many athletic events: fitness competitions, triathlon and ironman competitions, open water swimming and backpacking. She has overcome many of her own injuries and setbacks, most recently a total knee replacement. She has applied  her expertise into her own recovery which enables her to relate to her clients in a unique and compassionate way.

Her passion is to spread the message of empowering people to live active lives and extend their living-well years to the max, through movement. Dawn walks the talk.