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7 Best Kneeling Chairs To Take the Pressure Off Your Spine

The Joint’s Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C. offers his professional thoughts on kneeling chairs in a recent article from Well + Good. Dr. Kevin shares what to look for in a kneeling chair, including the angle and level of padding.

Original article published by WellAndGood on February 27, 2023 on WellAndGood.com

By Allie Flinn

If you work from a desk, chances are you've experienced some form of back pain from prolonged sitting. Sure, there are back-friendly desk chairs and standing desks, but kneeling chairs are among the best ergonomic options for people who work a desk job, according to chiropractor Matt Cooper, DC, founder of USA Sports Therapy.

"Kneeling chairs help maintain proper spinal alignment by allowing your knees to fall below your hips when seated. It also leans you slightly forward over your keyboard while maintaining normal lumbar lordosis," says Dr. Cooper. Basically, they help keep you from hunching and rounding your back, which puts pressure on your back. He adds that "normal lumbar lordosis"—or typical curvature of the spine—is especially important for extended periods of sedentary behavior.

Dr. Cooper recommends kneeling chairs when you're spending long periods of time in from of a computer, but they aren't for everyone. "Older people who suffer from spinal stenosis may not be comfortable on kneeling chairs as this position could cause more symptoms," he says. If you do decide to try a kneeling chair, Dr. Cooper says that "no one brand is superior" but there are a couple key things to look for: comfortable cushions, and that it positions your knees below your hips.

What to look for in a kneeling chair

When looking for a kneeling chair, it should "have an angle to the seat that leans your pelvis forward," says Kevin Lees, DC, an Arizona-based director of chiropractic operations at the Joint Chiropractic. "The angles can vary depending on your size and weight. Different angles may be more comfortable than others." In addition to an angled chair, consider the level of padding. "Padding should be durable and thick enough that there isn't too much pressure on your knees that can lead to pressure points, which can be very tender.

We tapped two chiropractors for their input and recommendations. Ahead, you'll find the best kneeling chairs of every style and budget.

The 7 best kneeling chairs for your desk

Dragonn by Vivo, Ergonomic Kneeling Chair — $120.00

This kneeling chair has earned the title of #1 Best Seller in office kneeling chairs on Amazon. “I have chronic hip and lower back pain despite being young and healthy and this has saved me when I need to sit and work at the computer,” says one reviewer, noting that the adjustable seat and knee height make it customizable for your height. Reviewers also mention that it can hold weight up to 240 pounds, whereas many other kneeling chairs only hold up to 220 pounds, and that it has thick padding.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Cushioned
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Doesn’t fit people with thick thighs

Vivohome, Ergonomic Kneeling Chair — $100.00

Reviewers say that this chair is comfortable, has thick cushions, and is easy to assemble. “I’ve had really terrible lower back pain from sitting at my desk the last 5 years. I bought a standing desk and this chair to help with the problem,” says one reviewer, who credits the combo with helping alleviate her back pain. Another reviewer-favorite feature: the height is adjustable.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Has wheels
  • Features thick cushions
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Wheels may not swivel

Varier, Variable Valans Kneeling Chair — $349.00

If you can spend a little more money and are looking for a kneeling chair, consider this attractive option. It suitable for people who weigh up to 240 pounds, and it comes in different colors for the fabric and the base. A reviewer who used a less expensive metal kneeling chair for years upgraded to this one, and they note that this version is “wonderful and has good qualities the others do not.” Not to mention, “It’s also really beautiful and super easy to assemble,” they say.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Offers gentle rocking motion
  • Scandinavian design>

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not adjustable

Predawn, Ergonomic Kneeling Chair — $160.00

For a budget-friendly option, reviewers recommend this chair. It may not be exactly like the previous chair, but reviewers overall are happy with it, saying it’s a solid affordable option. “The rocking feature corrects the sitting posture and it’s very comfortable to sit and work on it,” says one reviewer. Several reviewers mention that the rocking also helps them deal with restlessness. “The padding is comfortable, the texture of the cushions is perfect for creating just the right amount of friction, without being scratchy,” says another reviewer.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Affordable
  • Two-year warranty

Cons

  • Shin area may be uncomfortable for some
  • Not adjustable

Flash Furniture, Mobile Wooden Ergonomic Kneeling Office Chair — $149.00

This kneeling chair with wheels is also one of Amazon’s top sellers. One reviewer says it was a “godsend” when they were experiencing a period of back pain. Reviewers also caution that going from zero to 100 with this—or any—kneeling chair isn’t the best idea, and recommend building up how much time you sit in it. “More than anything, I really like how this chair prevents me from feeling ‘sluggish’ since I can’t lean back,” adds another reviewer.

Pros

  • Has wheels
  • Affordable
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Limited adjustability
  • Shin area may be uncomfortable for some

Sleekform, Austin Kneeling Chair — $230.00

“It’ll take your shins and core some getting used to, but overall it’s a major step up from the executive style chair I was previously in,” writes one reviewer, who chose this chair over other options because it has extra padding and rocks. “I highly recommend this product if you suffer lower back pain from sitting or just want to align your spine more properly doing the work day,” another writes. Overall, reviewers were impressed with the quality and the price point of this kneeling chair.

Pros

  • Minimalistic design
  • Padding constructed out of thick memory foam

Cons

  • Not adjustable

Varier, ThatSit Balans Kneeling Chair with Backrest — $899.00

“I’ve owned a few different kneeling chairs over the past couple years. Each time I’ve looked at the Varier’s and balked at the price then opted to buy a cheaper chair. I’ve had mixed resulted with the cheaper chairs,” says one reviewer, who decided purchase this pricier one that they call “simply the best kneeing chair out there.” Others agree, saying that this chair is high quality and has a backrest.

Pros

  • Has a backrest
  • Features rocker
  • Scandinavian design

Cons

  • Expensive

About The Joint Chiropractic

The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800+ locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.

Business Structure

The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.

Media Contacts

The Joint Corp.
Margie Wojciechowski
[email protected]
Office: (480) 245-5960 x 210
 

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