Gaming chairs offer more than just a flamboyant appearance. While they are intentionally made to be sporty and flashy, most come with ergonomic features that support your back and promote good posture.

They include a backrest that extends beyond your head to support your entire back and lumbar support to align your lower spine properly. But that's not all. I go over every other necessary feature below, so read on to learn more.

Why Gaming Chairs Are Good for Your Back & Posture?

Gaming chairs are excellent for your back and posture. Here's why:

#1. Tall Backrest

Gaming chairs have a high backrest design which is unpopular with standard ergonomic office chairs. The latter has an average standard height of 55 cm, whereas gaming chairs can be as tall as 140 cm. This high-back design supports your entire back along with your shoulders, neck, and head.

The tall backrest is also ideal for anyone with back pain, as it can help alleviate the pressure on your back by supporting the entire column of your spine. With sufficient back support, a gaming chair can

• Improve your posture: A completely supported back helps keep your shoulders, neck, and spine properly aligned to improve posture.
• Relieve you of pain: Less pressure is exerted on your lower back when your neck, shoulders, and spine are correctly aligned while seated.
• Enhance your comfort level: Improved posture and reduced pain in the back leads to comfortable sitting for extended periods.

#2. Superior Backrest Recline

The backrest recline system is another defining feature and reason why gaming chairs are good for your back. Even the cheapest gaming chairs can allow you to tilt back and rock the backrest to incredible recline angles. Inexpensive models can recline to around 135 degrees, while the high-end ones can tilt back to about 160 degrees.

But it's not only about the angles. Gaming chairs also feature superior recline and tilt mechanisms that help relieve pressure in your back after an extended gaming period or after long hours of sitting working on the computer. It also improves blood circulation and alleviates pain symptoms.

#3. Comfortable Neck Pillow

While not as ergonomically designed as seen in functional office chairs, the external neck pillow on most gaming chairs does well to support your neck. It’s uniquely designed to conform to the curvature of your neck, taking the pressure off your cervical spine and head while allowing you to rest your head with support.

The neck pillow also plays an important role in promoting good posture by encouraging you to sit upright and preventing slouching. It also prevents your neck from straining forward or leaning too far back, maintaining a neutral and comfortable position.

Similarly, the neck pillow's cushioning effect helps relax the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This relaxation reduces muscle tension and fatigue, which can build up during extended gaming sessions. Relaxed muscles are less likely to lead to discomfort and pain.

#4. Good Lumbar Support

When you look at the shape of the spine, it appears like an S from the side. Strong muscles in the S-shaped curve of your spine or lower back and pelvis are crucial to keep proper body alignment while gaming or working. When you slump, those muscles are less active, and they end up giving less support. A lumbar support keeps your lower back supported and properly aligned.

But here is the thing, gaming chairs typically come with basic lumbar support. It can be a built-in lumbar arch or an external lumbar support pillow. The good news is that external lumbar pillows are removable and replaceable. So, you can upgrade to a more functional pillow for better support, alignment, and comfort for your lower back.

#5. Adjustable Armrests

Armrests that are too low or too high can produce awkward postures, provide inadequate support, create contact stress to the elbow, and may even prevent you from moving close enough to your workstation. This is usually the case with cheap standard desk chairs that have limited adjustability.

In contrast, most gaming chairs come with highly adjustable armrests (usually 3D or 4D) to support your elbows and forearms. Adjustable armrests also keep the shoulders from slouching. They help relieve uncomfortable neck cricks and shoulder pain while encouraging you to maintain proper posture.

#6. Built-In Footrest

Some quality game chairs come with a built-in footrest. This is an important feature for a sitting situation in which you cannot place your feet firmly on the ground. Built-in footrests help you maintain proper posture and reduce the pressure on your back. This, in turn, improves circulation, reduces fatigue, and enhances your overall comfort during long hours of sitting.

How to Properly Sit in a Game Chair?

I wrote about maintaining the right sitting posture at a computer, and it's pretty much the same when settling into a gaming chair. There are just a handful of key points to keep in mind, and I'll run you through them right here.

1. Posture Perfection: Firstly, nail that posture. Sit up straight with your back against the chair's backrest. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your spine in its natural curve. Avoid slumping forward or arching your back excessively.
2. Seat Depth: Get the seat depth right. Ensure there are a couple of inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This prevents pressure on the back of your thighs and promotes good blood circulation.
3. Feet on Ground: Plant your feet flat on the ground or on a footrest if needed. Your knees should be at a comfortable 90-degree angle. This helps take the load off your lower back and keeps things comfy.
4. Armrests: If your gaming chair has armrests, adjust them so your arms can rest comfortably and your shoulders remain relaxed to prevent strain in your neck and upper back.
5. Screen Level: Whether it's your computer monitor or gaming screen, make sure it's at eye level. You shouldn't have to crane your neck up or down to see it straight on.
6. Break Time: Remember to take regular breaks from gaming. Every 30 minutes or so, stand up, stretch, and walk around a bit. This keeps your muscles from getting all stiff and helps maintain your overall well-being.
7. Support Extras: Now, if your gaming chair comes with lumbar support or a neck pillow, make sure to adjust them to fit your body snugly. They're your allies in maintaining proper posture and comfort.

Steps to Choose the Right Gaming Chair

To choose the best gaming chair to keep you comfortable and immersed in your gaming adventures, follow the steps below:

1. Learn the Basics: Get the lowdown on gaming chairs, understand their purpose, and familiarise yourself with key features like adjustability and ergonomic design.
2. Prioritise Comfort: Look for chairs with cushioned seats and backrests that support your body shape. Test out different materials to find what suits you best.
3. Check Adjustability: Opt for a chair with adjustable height, armrests, and backrest. This lets you tailor the chair to your comfort preferences and gaming setup.
4. Support Matters: A built-in lumbar support system is your mate for maintaining a healthy back. Ensure the chair provides proper lumbar support to avoid discomfort during long gaming sessions.
5. Materials and Durability: Choose durable materials like leather, mesh, or quality fabric that can handle your gaming marathons and still look ace.
6. Steady Base: Look for a chair with a sturdy base and reliable casters for stability and smooth movement. A wobbly chair is a no-go.
7. Style Check: Find a chair that vibes with your style and adds some flair to your gaming space. It's not just about comfort but also about looking the part.
8. Extra Features: Explore chairs with cool extras like built-in speakers or massage functions if they match your gaming and relaxation needs.
9. Easy Assembly: As a beginner, a chair that's easy to assemble will save you a headache. Check user reviews to gauge assembly difficulty.
10. Review Research: Before making a decision, read user reviews to get real-world insights into the chair's comfort, durability, and overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions on the use of gaming chairs for back and posture support.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is straightforward: a gaming chair can provide benefits that a regular desk chair might not. And while most people would buy a gaming chair for looks, comfort, and hype, if you care about your health and well-being, consider back and posture support along with all the hype.

In retrospect, prioritising your comfort, spinal health, and posture support not only enhances your gaming experience but also contributes to your long-term vitality and comfort. So, when you're ready to invest in a gaming chair, remember to strike the right balance between style and substance for a win-win outcome.