We have all been there, the day where your back is just one giant ache. Perhaps you did some over-enthusiastic dancing at that wedding, maybe something twanged when you bent over to pick up your game controller, or maybe it is something you’ve suffered with for a while now?
Our backs are vitally important, and we need to take back care seriously. We literally cannot move without using our spine. Go on, I’ll let you try it.
BackCare
Now that we’ve established that, let me introduce you to BackCare. They are a charity that runs yearly events to raise awareness for looking after your back. The charity was established over fifty years ago after its founder hurt his back in a sailing accident. As a result, he wanted to create a network of support and information for others who have similar injuries or back pain. Thus, BackCare was born.
BackCare supplies information on how to support our spines, neck, and lumbar area, with their charity events often having themes – like working from home. A lot of us have been spending our working week at the home office, and we need to make sure they are kitted out correctly. Otherwise, it will have a profound impact on your back.
Are gaming chairs good for the office? Read on and find out!
You can find many resources from BackCare, tied to their events and general helpful information on their website. It is chock-full of handy videos detailing the different types of back pain and how you can go about managing it. Obviously, if back pain is something truly affecting your day-to-day life, stop reading this and go book a GP appointment. Then maybe come back and finish reading this, I am about to talk about some fantastic chairs which are perfect for providing back care.
How Can We Help?
To reiterate, I cannot give medical advice. However, I can advise you on the best gaming chair to work and play from. This is how we can help at Overclockers UK.
Are gaming chairs good for your back? Well, they have been specifically designed to provide comfort and support over extended periods of time. As such, this makes them perfect for gaming marathons, and also for long days at the home office. In addition to keeping your back happy, there are many benefits to having a proper chair as your foundation. Posture will improve, it’s easier to concentrate when not distracted by aches and pains, plus they can look truly fantastic thanks to a wide range of amazing designs.
With so many models and brands available at Overclockers UK, it can be somewhat overwhelming to pick out a chair. We have plenty of guides to help you pick out the best gaming chair for your needs, which will be peppered throughout the rest of this article for further reading. Today, we’ve got some top picks for gaming chairs that will keep your back happy.
How Do You Choose a Gaming Chair?
There are going to be two key deciding factors in your chair choice: aesthetic and your physique. Arguably, finding a chair to fit your physical frame is probably more important than how it looks. But what is the point in making an investment in something you don’t 100% like? Thankfully, all of the gaming chairs we stock are beautiful in their own unique ways and I am confident that there will be no compromises on how your chair looks.
So that leaves physique. Now, we don’t all have the same physique – we can’t all look like 8Pack, she says with those droopy, cartoon non-muscles. Still, gaming chairs come in a range of shapes and sizes, with incredible integrated adjustability. Plus, you can add specially designed pillows and footrests to bolster the effect. Let’s take a closer look.
Brush up on all things gaming chair with our helpful and handy guide. It’s even got a fact file.
Smaller Physiques
Until recently, the main issue for shorter or younger gamers was generally the overall height of the chair. The main body of the chair still offered great support; you just might not be able to reach the ground. This can be rectified with a replacement gas lift from noblechairs, allowing you to install a shorter pressure spring on your chair. Ooooor, you could go for one of their EPIC Compact Gaming Chairs – available in four colours.
| noblechairs EPIC Compact Specification |
|---|
| 3D armrests |
| NEW synchronous mechanism |
| Primed for gamers between 4’1 and 5’7 |
| Dense cold foam padding |
| Fully adjustable ergonomics |
| 60mm Nylon core casters |
| Four available models |
The Compact Series has been designed for gamers between 4’1 and 5’7, as a scaled-down version of the ever-popular EPIC Gaming Chair. New ergonomic features have been created, specifically for this chair, to optimise the comfort and support provided. This includes a new synchronous mechanism that allows the seat base and backrest to move in co-ordination. Put this with the advanced tilting, memory foam pillows, and adjustable seat base height; and you have the recipe for amazing back support. Plus, there are three stylish PU leather and one TX cloth model to choose between.
Want to know which noblechairs is for you? Check out our ultimate guide.
Average Is As Average Does
One of the real benefits of being “average” is the vast majority of products are designed for your spec. I do purely mean average in a mathematical “your numbers are the sum of everyone’s numbers divided by the total number of everyone” way. I see your uniqueness. As a result, you get the serious pick of the litter when it comes to designs. A special edition noblechairs from your favourite game? Something highlighted in bold colours from Nitro Concepts? Perhaps something with RGB lighting from ASUS? The world is your oyster.
Of course, I could sit here and list every single chair which is going to make a great addition to your desk. Quite frankly, that is going to get dull quick. You don’t want to read it; I don’t want to write it. I will, however, give you the highlights and a few suggestions, offering a nice cross-section of the brands and models we have available.
Nitro Concepts E520
| Specification |
|---|
| 2D armrests |
| Cold foam padding |
| Soft fabric upholstery |
| Individually adjustable ergonomics |
| Models available in many vibrant colours |
As you would expect, I could have included pretty much any model from Nitro Concepts here. What sets the E250 apart is its affordable price point coupled with excellent ergonomics. Top workmanship has gone into making an adjustable chair with a customisable backrest and rocking mechanism. Plus, it is DIN EN 1335 certified for office use. This means it has been through rigorous mechanical tests to determine stability, strength, and durability. As a result, you can work, game, or study in confidence that your chair is going to last.
noblechairs ICON
| Specification |
|---|
| 4D armrests |
| Dense cold foam padding |
| PU leather upholstery |
| Adjustable ergonomics |
| Models in different colours and fabrics |
What could be more iconic than winning the
EHA Best Gaming Chair award? The noblechairs ICON Gaming Chair took the coveted title back in 2021, with the EPIC and LEGEND winning it in subsequent years. It’s no mystery why noblechairs keeps winning, either. Enjoy enhanced lumbar support within the backrest, provided by the dense cold foam padding, and a full range of adjustable ergonomics that allow you to configure this chair in a way that best suits you. Also DIN EN 1335 certified, the ICON uses a Safety Class 4 gas lift for smooth height adjustments. Tasty.
ThunderX3 TC5
| Specification |
|---|
| AIR Technology |
| High-density foam padding |
| Adjustable 3D armrests |
| Class 4 gas lift |
| Three available models in black, white, and red |
From ThunderX3, we have the TC3 Gaming Chair. With a distinct and stunning design, these gaming chairs include a headrest and lumbar pillow, maximising support. The lumbar is the lower region of your back and the part which receives the most wear and tear, therefore making it imperative you take care of it properly. Thankfully, the TC3 does just that for you, with clever cut-outs that allow you to adjust the placement of the lumbar pillow. The headrest pillow placement can also be rearranged to suit you better. Plus, with an impressive 90 to 180-degree backrest recline, you could comfortably take a nap in this chair!
If you’re into the esports vibe from the ThunderX3 TC3, why not explore the whole ThunderX3 range in our dedicated article?
How’s the Weather Up There?
For those who are taller and bulkier, there are gaming chairs designed for you, too. With models like the noblechairs HERO and ThunderX3 BC1, you can enjoy wider seat bases and robust support. As someone who sits cross-legged, regardless of what chair I am on, a wide seat base sounds like a dream.
noblechairs HERO
| Specification |
|---|
| 4D armrests |
| Wider backrest with integrated lumbar support |
| Stainless steel frame and aluminium base |
| Deform-resistant cold foam padding |
| Available in many colours, fabrics, and special edition designs |
As the largest model in the noblechairs range, the HERO makes for an excellent foundation in supporting your back. Plus, it comes in so many special editions from games like Doom and The Elder Scrolls Online. The seat base and backrest are wider, offering more space between the adjustable 4D armrests. What’s more, the HERO boasts all of the same ergonomic features as its smaller brethren, the ICON and EPIC, plus adjustable lumbar support, which it shares with the LEGEND. On top of that, you have tilt rockers, full adjustability, and breathable materials; premium comfort comes as standard with noblechairs.
ThunderX3 BC1
| Specification |
|---|
| AIR Technology for great breathability |
| Synthetic leather upholstery and dense foam padding |
| Soft padded armrests providing extra support |
| Accommodates up to 150kg in weight |
| Available in three simple yet stunning designs |
The ThunderX3 TC5 MAX supplies a wonderful foundation, being an XL version of their TC5 chair and able to support up to 150kg. Its design is similar to the standard model, featuring an ergonomic shape, stylised cut-outs, and 3D armrests. The robust structure includes adjustable height and a rocking mechanism that tilts between 3 and 18-degrees. Like many chairs available on the market, the TC5 MAX can be adjusted to suit your exact specification.
Working with a tight budget? You can get premium back care at a decent price point, just check out our guide.
Other Things to Consider
A lot of the chairs I have spoken about today use a dense, cold foam padding. Whilst you might think a soft, squishy chair is going to oh-so-comfy and lovely, the quality of padding will degrade far too quickly. Leaving you with a chair that doesn’t support properly and a posture that gets worse with every sit. On the other hand, the dense cold foam padding is deform-resistant, even with intensive use the chair will not lose its cushioning. Plus, it is a highly breathable material, perfect for those warm summer months and long gaming sessions.
Of course, then there are accessories, such as pillows, chair care kits, and replacement gas springs. These can be used to customise your chair as well as level up the comfort and support. Or, in the case of the care kit, keep your gaming chair in perfect condition. Check out the table below for specific benefits!
| Product | Benefits | Buy Now! |
|---|---|---|
| noblechairs Footrest 2 | > 45-degree tilt allows you to relax with your feet up > A number of models available to match your favourite noblechairs > Further enhances comfort during long sessions at your desk | Available now |
| noblechairs Pillow Sets | > Upgrade chair comfort > Memory foam headrest and lumbar pillows > Designed to support back and neck | Available now |
| noblechairs Premium Care Kit | > Maintain your gaming chair’s quality > Carefully curated for chair materials > Leather scented | Available now |
| noblechairs Replacement Gas Lifts | > Shorter gas lifts to reduce overall height > Adjustable by 10cm in height > Supports up to 150kg in weight | Available now |
If you want to learn more about the noblechairs Memory Foam Pillow Sets and the many special edition models we have, then check out our dedicated article.
Keeping your gaming chair in good nick is going to help keep it supporting your back for longer. Check out the best ways to maintain your gaming chair.
Perfecting Posture
Finally, the last thing to think about with your new gaming chair is once it is in your office: How to properly sit in your chair and at your desk. It’s all well and good, investing in a chair for back care, but if you aren’t going to use it properly then you’re not going to alleviate back pain. Thankfully, we have you covered with a nifty little infographic and list, showing how to achieve ergonomic harmony.
- Get the height right: adjust it so your feet lie flat on the floor and your knees are at right angles. As a result, there should be very little pressure on your knees, which they will thank you for.
- Sitting right: sit up straight, just like your teachers used to tell you, and keep your bum towards the back of the chair. They might not have mentioned that.
- Get the recline right: you should always sit with your head and neck making contact with the backrest. This is achievable by setting the recline between 100 and 110-degrees. Please note this is an approximate number and could vary between individuals.
- Reduce neck strain: make sure your monitor is placed a few inches above your eye-line. If it’s not currently, this is easily remedied with monitor stands and the like.
- Keep your distance: sit at an arm’s length away from your screen, with the keyboard and mouse directly in front of you. There should be no stretching to reach peripherals, everything should be comfortably available.
- Relax and game on! Take a deep breath, get in the zone, and dominate. You know how to do that.
A top tip for getting the right sized chair: measure from the base of your heel to the back crease of your knee. Maybe get a friend to help, might be a little difficult for anyone but contortionists to do alone! This measurement will help to determine your ideal seat height and indicate if you need to purchase a gas lift.
Take Care
We hope this article has helped and will point you in the right direction with regard to back care. You lot are important to us! If you are interested in learning more about BackCare follow their Twitter, @TherealBackCare, or get in contact on [email protected]. Take care of yourselves, everyone.
- 14 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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