Choosing the best mobility chair for back pain
Choosing the best chair for back pain can help make everyday life more comfortable, particularly when sitting down or standing up becomes a struggle. For those experiencing ongoing discomfort or reduced mobility, traditional armchairs may not always provide the support or assistance needed to relax or support your back comfortably.
Lower back pain is very common. In the UK, 60-80% of people are affected at some time in their lives. Each year, 120 million working days are lost due to back pain.1
When back pain affects mobility, having a comfortable place to sit and relax becomes particularly important. Riser recliners can offer practical support for those experiencing back pain.
What causes back pain?
Back pain can develop for several reasons, ranging from muscle strains to age-related changes and spinal conditions. Common causes include:
Age-related changes:
Changes to the discs and joints in the spine can contribute to stiffness and discomfort.
Spinal conditions:
Conditions such as spinal stenosis, arthritis and disc problems can affect movement and cause pain.
Posture and prolonged sitting:
Remaining in one position for extended periods or sitting without adequate support may contribute to discomfort.
Reduced mobility:
Back pain can make everyday movements, including getting up from a chair, more challenging.2
Who is more likely to experience back pain
Lower back pain can affect anyone, at any stage of life, and its impact can go beyond physical discomfort, making everyday activities feel more challenging. Although it can develop at any age, the number of cases is highest among people aged 50–55, with older adults aged 80–85 experiencing the greatest prevalence and impact.³ Age isn't the only factor associated with differences in back pain prevalence. Research also shows that women are more likely to experience lower back pain than men, due to hormonal, biological and lifestyle factors.⁴
How sitting posture impacts back pain
Sitting incorrectly can have a big impact on the body, leading to increased chances of spinal injuries and musculoskeletal disorders which can affect up to 85% of seniors.5
Lower back discomfort is often made worse by poor sitting posture, unsupported seating or chairs that are too low or too deep. A chair with proper support can help you sit more upright and reduce slouching. Ideally, your spine should be supported in its natural curve, with your weight distributed comfortably rather than placing excess pressure on your muscles and joints.6
How can a riser recliner chair help with back pain?
Riser recliner chairs can help make everyday movements more comfortable for people living with back pain, but what is it about a riser recliner chair's design and features that can help ease back pain discomfort?
Adjustable positions
Remaining upright in the same position for long periods can become uncomfortable, particularly for people experiencing lower back stiffness. Reclining changes how your weight is distributed across the body and may help reduce pressure in uncomfortable areas.7
A mobility recliner chair allows you to change your position throughout the day. Depending on the motor function, you can adjust the backrest and footrest together or independently to find a position that feels comfortable. Being able to adjust your position rather than remaining in one sitting posture for extended periods can help relieve pressure on your back and reduce discomfort. Riser recliner chairs offering zero-gravity positioning further reduce spinal stress by elevating the legs to enhance comfort.
Lumbar and spine support
A well-fitted riser recliner chair can help support your spine and encourage a comfortable sitting posture. A supportive backrest and headrest help support your back, head and neck, while lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of your lower spine, which may help reduce slouching and discomfort when sitting for long periods.8
Charterhouse riser recliner chairs offer dedicated lumbar support to help maintain spinal alignment and minimise strain on the lower back while also offering bespoke sizing to ensure you are getting the right support when choosing the best chair for back pain.
Easier sitting down and standing up transitions
When you're experiencing back pain, moving from sitting to standing can be particularly uncomfortable. This can be even more challenging when using a low or soft armchair, as it may require extra effort to push yourself to a standing position.
The powered rise function of a rise and recline chair gently lifts and tilts the seat forwards, helping you move from sitting to standing with ease. By reducing the need to push up from the chair yourself, it can make this transition more comfortable and help ease the strain associated with standing. For people whose back pain affects their mobility, this added assistance can make everyday activities easier and support greater independence around the home.9
Supporting circulation
When you're living with back pain, finding a comfortable position to relax in can make a real difference. Poor circulation, particularly when combined with prolonged periods of inactivity, may contribute to stiffness and worsen existing discomfort.
A riser recliner chair allows you to adjust your position and elevate your legs, Elevating your legs can enhance circulation and reduce swelling. Alongside regular movement and changes in position, this can form part of an approach to supporting circulation and managing back discomfort.10
Best angle for sitting in your recliner chair
Finding a comfortable sitting or recline position can help you relax without putting unnecessary strain on your back. Research suggests that the backrest angle (rake) can influence comfort and relaxation, although the most suitable position depends on the individual and the activity.11
For reading or watching TV, try a slight recline of around 100–110°. If you're relaxing with your feet elevated, you may prefer a slightly deeper recline of around 110–120°. For short naps, research suggests that a more reclined position of around 120–125° may improve sleep quality and reduce discomfort compared with sitting more upright.12
There is no singular recline position that works for everyone, so take time to adjust your chair to find what feels most comfortable for you. Make sure your back, head and neck feel supported, and change position whenever you feel uncomfortable.
Managing back discomfort while sitting
Your choice of electric recliner chair is one part of maintaining everyday comfort. A few simple changes may also help reduce stiffness and discomfort from back pain.
Change position regularly: Alternate between sitting upright and reclining.
Maintain comfortable posture: Sit back against the chair's backrest and adjust your position if you begin to slouch or lean to one side.
Make standing easier: Use the rise function where appropriate rather than repeatedly struggling to get out of a low seat.
Avoid twisting and sudden movements: When getting in or out of a recliner chair, avoid twisting your spine suddenly. Use the armrests and rise function for support when needed.
Why choose Charterhouse Mobility?
When back pain affects your comfort and mobility, finding a recliner chair that suits your individual needs can make a real difference to everyday life. The right recliner chair for back pain should provide comfortable support for your back while making it easier to relax, change position and move between sitting and standing.
At Charterhouse Mobility, we understand that everyone's needs are different. That's why we offer bespoke mobility furniture designed around your individual requirements, from your height and build to the level of support and assistance you need. With a range of styles, features and adjustable options available, we can help you find the best chair for back pain, that complements your home and makes everyday living more comfortable.
Explore our range of rise and recline chairs or arrange a free in-home demonstration to find a chair suited to your comfort, support and mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions
References:
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (n.d.) Lower back pain advice. Available at: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/lower-back-pain-advice
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (n.d.) Low back pain. Available at: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/low-back-pain
World Health Organization (2023) Low back pain. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain
GBD 2019 Diseases and Injuries Collaborators (2020) ‘Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019’, The Lancet, 396(10258), pp. 1204–1222. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30925-9.
Wong, A.Y.L., Karppinen, J. and Samartzis, D. (2017) ‘Low back pain in older adults: risk factors, management options and future directions’, Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, 12, article 14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0121-3.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (n.d.) Seating and ergonomics. Available at: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/seating-and-ergonomics/
Khoshroo, F., Seidi, F., Bayattork, M., Moghadas-Tabrizi, Y. and Nelson-Wong, E. (2023) ‘Distinctive characteristics of prolonged standing low back pain developers’ and the associated risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis’, Scientific Reports, 13, article 6392. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33590-5.
Akbar, M.S. et al. (2025) ‘Impact of lumbar support on pain reduction in low back pain patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials’, Narra Journal, 5(1), article e2165. Available at: https://doi.org/10.52225/narra.v5i1.2165.
Lou, S.-Z., You, J.-Y., Tsai, Y.-C. and Chen, Y.-C. (2021) ‘Effects of different assistive seats on ability of elderly in sit-to-stand and back-to-sit movements’, Healthcare, 9(4), article 485. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040485.
Posture Pro, Inc. (2026) The heart-back pain link: how cardiovascular health affects your spine. Available at: https://gb-posturepump.glopalstore.com/blogs/blog/the-heart-back-pain-link-how-cardiovascular-health-affects-your-spine
Miao, Y., Zhang, Y., Gao, X. and Xu, W. (2026) ‘Optimal footrest and backrest angles for young adults’ functional recliners: an EEG and subjective assessment’, BioResources, 21(3), pp. 7331–7353. Available at: https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.21.3.7331-7353.
Vink, P. et al. (2023) ‘Back rest angle influence on nap quality and comfort’, Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 67(1), pp. 316–320. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/21695067231193754.
