Is it worth spending $1,000+ on an office chair for back pain?

If you work 8+ hours daily in a chair and have back pain, yes. A quality ergonomic chair lasts 12+ years — that is under $10/month for the Herman Miller Aeron. The cost of physical therapy, chiropractic visits, and lost productivity from back pain far exceeds the chair investment. Consider it a medical device, not furniture. Many employers will purchase ergonomic chairs with a doctor's recommendation.

Should I get a standing desk instead of an expensive chair?

Both, ideally. Standing all day causes different problems — leg fatigue, varicose veins, and foot pain. The healthiest approach is alternating between sitting and standing — 30-45 minutes sitting, 15-20 minutes standing. A quality chair with a standing desk lets you alternate throughout the day. Neither standing all day nor sitting all day is healthy — the movement between positions is what helps.

Best Office Chairs for Back Pain 2026