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Expert-recommended kneeling chairs to relieve back pain
Ergonomics experts reveal the advantages of kneeling chairs and what to keep in mind when shopping for one.
Both Conrad and Dr. Sapna Sriram, CEO and founder of Integra Health, recommend this Balans kneeling chair — it has a simple, curved wooden base that allows the chair to rock back and forth, which can help maintain core strength and improve balance. It weighs less than 15 pounds, but still provides stability and doesn’t feel flimsy, says Conrad. “Some kneeling chairs don’t feel like they’re strong enough and will tilt with slight movements, but this one has been around for years and still offers great stability.”
Sriram also recommends the Vivo kneeling chair, which has a solid wood frame and four-inch-thick cushions for added comfort. It supports up to 250 pounds and comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty, according to the brand.
This saddle-type kneeling chair is top-rated on Amazon, with a 4.3-star average rating from over 3,500 reviews. Unlike other kneeling chairs, it can rotate 360 degrees, is height adjustable and has wheels to easily move around. It can also support more weight — up to 400 pounds.
This x-framed kneeling chair can fold into a more compact size, making it better for storage than some Balans-type options. It’s also very adjustable — you can adjust the seat height and leg-rest height using the cutouts on the wood frame.
Active sitting (also known as dynamic sitting) is a way to sit that “helps duplicate your normal posture while standing or walking,” says Conrad. Kneeling chairs let you practice active sitting because they allow very slight movements which help activate the postural paraspinal muscles, similar to walking. By doing so, you can make improvements to your posture, reduce stress and help improve circulation.
You should aim to sit for about an hour at most before getting up to take a break, says Conrad. Experts recommend either standing or using a standing desk each hour that you sit, or getting up and walking around a bit, in order to stretch your muscles and avoid cramps.
Those with degenerative knee and hip conditions may want to avoid a kneeling chair, says Conrad. Although most kneeling chairs have reinforced cushions for the knees, they can “still lead to an increase in knee stiffness if you suffer from a degenerative cartilage condition in your knee or hip.” When in doubt, consult a doctor of chiropractic (DC) for an ergonomic evaluation to determine if a kneeling chair will work for your condition.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, lifestyle and more, including stories on acne spot treatments and water filter pitchers.
Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including stories on air purifiers, smart scales and wireless earbuds. He also covers ergonomics, including guides to ergonomic mice and ergonomic keyboards.
For this article, Morris and Rabinowitz spoke to experts about kneeling chairs and selected different kneeling chairs that aligned with expert guidance.
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