Are Gaming Chairs Good for Your Back?

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

One of the primary reasons people buy the best gaming chair is to increase their overall spinal and postural health. One of the main ways in which a gaming chair helps people achieve this is via built-in lumbar support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Gaming chairs generally offer lumbar support, in the form of a cushion or pillow.
  • Some gaming chairs have been purpose-built for supporting the lumbar region of the spine, as the design of the chair itself follows basic ergonomic principles.
  • Sitting on a chair with proper lumbar support can help increase productivity and decrease bodily discomfort.

What is Built-in Lumbar Support?

If a chair advertises that it has built-in lumbar support, this typically means that it includes a dedicated cushion or pillow that provides support for the lumbar region of the spine. If a chair does not include a lumbar support cushion, the support could be offered via the curvature of the chair itself. This is what is known as an ergonomic chair.

Learn About the Benefits of Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to overall efficiency in a work environment. For the purpose of a gaming chair, ergonomics refers to an overall design and methodology used to promote healthy spinal alignment. This is achieved via dedicated lumbar support, sturdy and comfortable components, and a variety of adjustability options. There are many benefits to regularly using an ergonomically designed gaming chair or office task chair.

Increased Productivity

A chair with built-in lumbar support and other ergonomic design features should increase your overall productivity, whether you are working or gaming. This is because the chair is designed to naturally support your body, thus increasing your overall stamina. Even with the increased comfort, we still recommend that you take a short break every 30 minutes while using an ergonomically designed gaming chair. To work as it is supposed a gaming chair needs repair and maintenance, the how is detailed in this article.

Insider Tip

A chair with built-in lumbar support and other ergonomic design features should increase your overall productivity, whether you are working or gaming.

Decreased Bodily Discomfort

If you have been sitting in a regular chair during lengthy gaming sessions, you have no doubt run into bodily discomfort. This discomfort can take the form of backaches, neck pain, shoulder creaks, and fatigue, among other symptoms. Switching to a gaming chair with built-in lumbar support and other ergonomic features should decrease any negative health symptoms that arise during long gameplay sessions. However, all chairs and bodies are different, so we recommend trying out a chair before you purchase it.

Maximum Comfort

Increased comfort during gameplay sessions is a key advantage to purchasing a dedicated gaming chair. Not only do any built-in lumbar support mechanisms help with this comfort, but gaming chairs tend to be heavily padded and cushioned. Modern gaming chairs feature thick cushioning on the armrests, on the seatback, on the cushion, and throughout other components of the chair. Be sure to purchase a well-regarded gaming chair from a reputable manufacturer to maximize these benefits. You can read this article to know why you need to get yourself a gaming chair.

Insider Tip

Switching to a gaming chair with built-in lumbar support and other ergonomic features should decrease any negative health symptoms that arise during long gameplay sessions.

F.A.Q.

What makes gaming chairs different from standard office chairs?

Both types of chairs generally include ergonomic design features and plenty of adjustability points. Gaming chairs, however, tend to be available in a variety of colors and design options.


Are gaming chairs good for your back?

Typically, yes. If you are shopping for a gaming chair and are concerned about your back, be sure that the chair is ergonomically designed and features lumbar support, in addition to a number of adjustability points.


Can gaming chairs hurt your back?

Yes, though it is rare. Each human spine is different and each chair’s design is different. Sometimes they do not integrate correctly. We have found, though, that most well-regarded gaming chairs will not hurt your back, providing that they have been adjusted correctly.



STAT: According to a 2010 study, even basic lumbar support can put your head and neck in a more favorable postural alignment. (source)

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