Finding Relief: The Best Recliners for Back Pain
Are you suffering from lower back pain? If so, you’re not alone. Up to 80% of Americans experience back pain in their lives. Lower back pain is actually the most common musculoskeletal problem in the world and the leading cause of missed work.
While we’re more likely to experience back pain as we age, it impacts every race, gender and age group equally. For many of us, the cause of our lower back pain is our modern lifestyle. According to Harvard Medical School, people often report tighter and more painful back muscles due to prolonged sitting. That’s a problem when so many of us work desk jobs where we sit all day or need to make long commutes in the car or on public transit.
That amount of sitting takes a toll, as UCLA Health reports that, “Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be a major cause of back pain, cause increased stress of the back, neck, arms and legs and can add a tremendous amount of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs.” And while exercise, standing and moving throughout the day will help to relieve back pain, finding a better way to sit can be the most important factor for lower back pain sufferers.
Sitting doesn’t have to be painful. Reclining chairs have long been used as a source of relief for lower back pain, and many modern reclining and massage chairs offer features that can aid in recovery. Here’s what you need to know about how to select the best recliners for your back pain.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be acute, subacute or chronic. Both acute and subacute pain are often caused by injury or strain and will heal over time. Chronic back pain is often the result of several underlying conditions and may require specific treatment.
Lower back pain is often caused when two important back muscles — the quadratus lumborum and the gluteus medius — become strained, inflamed or stiff. Both muscles help to stabilize and support the lower back and hips, and when they tighten around your nerves, they can cause pain and decrease your mobility.
Some of us may also experience sciatic nerve pain, which extends down from the hips and radiates into the leg. This is caused by inflammation around the sciatic nerve, which controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. The level of sciatic nerve pain can range from a tingling discomfort to severe pain.
For more information about the types and causes of lower back pain, as well as tips and treatments for pain management, read our companion blog post Massage Relief for Lower Back Pain.
Using Recliners to Relieve Back Pain
If you’re looking for ways to alleviate lower back pain, a recliner can be a helpful, everyday home option. That’s because a well-designed recliner will decompress the spine while providing solid lumbar support to avoid further stressing the back. This will help relieve pressure on the nerves after a day of standing and sitting.
Recliners are designed to enable you to rest with your feet up and relax the muscles in your back. Some reclining chairs go a step further with what’s called zero-gravity technology. This isn’t true weightlessness, but rather neutral body posture, a position observed by NASA when a body relaxes in microgravity.
In neutral body posture, your legs and feet are elevated to more evenly distribute your body weight, taking pressure off of your back and neck while relaxing all of the muscles in your body. Recliners that offer superior lumbar support will effectively cradle your body, providing relief to your aching back and enabling you to relax in peace. However, beware of cheap recliners that don’t provide sufficient lumbar support, as they will actually put more stress on your lower back.
Some recliners also offer heat or massage rollers and a range of other features that may provide even more pain relief. Massage chairs, for example, can act as specialized recliners that offer a larger number of features to relieve lower back pain, including different types of massage techniques, decompression stretches and targeted heat therapy.
The type of recliner that’s best for you will depend on your needs and the unique features and benefits you’re looking for.
What to Look for in a Recliner
When searching for the best recliner for lower back pain, be sure to consider the following five elements:
- Recline — You’ll want a chair that offers a full range of recline positions, from upright to fully reclined. For maximum relief, make sure that the recliner offers a true “zero-gravity” position where the body is reclined at an approximate 120-degree angle, with the legs elevated slightly above the level of the heart.
- Lumbar Support — It is essential that a recliner provides lumbar support to the lower back area, otherwise you’ll risk putting even more strain on your back. See if the recliner allows you to adjust the level of lumbar support to accommodate your specific needs and promote good posture. You’ll want something that can support your body type and weight.
- Features — If you’re interested in maximum pain relief, then you’ll want to look for chairs that provide features and functions that go beyond just reclining, such as heat and massage therapy. For a higher-level luxury experience, you can also consider added features such as feet and hand massage, chromotherapy lights and air ionizers.
- Usability — You don’t want to strain your body when operating your recliner, so keep things simple by prioritizing a recliner or massage chair with easily accessible controls. Many modern models feature intuitive control panels, some of which can be operated via touchscreen, one-touch remotes or even voice command.
- Size — Your recliners should be big enough to comfortably accommodate your entire body. However, it also has to fit into the available space in your room. Look for chairs with space saving design features such as Zero Wall Fit™, which slide forward when reclined, enabling you to place them up to two inches near a wall.
How We Picked the Best Recliners and Massage Chairs
To select the best recliners for lower back pain, our team identified and tested a variety of recliners and massage chairs across a wide price range, accounting for different settings and features. We decided on these recommendations by comparing four important factors: price, brand reputation, functionality and extra features. We also considered the overall quality of each recliner’s materials, build, comfort and style.
Read more about our in-depth selection process.
Our Massage Chair Store team has been in the business of manufacturing, repairing, selling and testing massage chairs for almost 15 years. They’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting in and using different massage chairs to test their functionality, features and overall comfort.
The Best Recliners for Back Pain
Bob-O-Pedic Serene Massage Chair
If you’re looking for simple relief, then start with the Serene Massage Chair. Featuring power recline, power massage and memory foam cushioning, the Serene provides straightforward comfort in both the upright and reclining positions. Additional features are limited to a built-in USB port and cup holders.
Price: $699
Features:
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Warranty: Bob’s Furniture offers a 1-year limited warranty on regular-priced furniture against factory defects from the original receipt date as long as the item is still within their delivery area.
Color Options:
- Charcoal
If you’re looking for higher end relief for lower back pain, then the Infinity IT-8500™ X3 3D/4D is specifically designed to provide the highest level of quality, technology and comfort. The IT-8500 X3 features 3D/4D massage technology for a deep tissue massage that mimics the feel of human hands massaging your neck, back and shoulders. It’s hard to find a better recliner for back pain sufferers thanks to the spinal decompression stretch, zero-gravity recline and lumber heat features.
Price: $3,999 — Limited Time Offer!
Features:
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Warranty: Infinity offers a 5-year residential limited warranty. This includes unlimited U.S.-based technical and customer support, structural framework coverage and no-cost replacements on covered parts for three years.
Color Options:
- Brown
- Black
“My patients have been buying this model and have given me much positive feedback. They like many features from this massage chair. Patients who have long standing hours at work, they enjoy the leg features that pump and squeeze their legs… the most common enjoyment is full body stretching. They love this feature for mid back and low back aches.”
— Dr. Raymond Hour, DC
As a highly affordable massage chair, you can almost think of the Kyota Genki M380 as a simple recliner that’s also loaded with high-end features. The Genki has features and functions usually found on some of the more high-end massage chairs. You’ll enjoy weightless One-Touch Zero Gravity recline in tandem with a 360° sweeping 4-node back massage mechanism that features five different massage techniques.
Here’s what our review team had to say: “This chair has a lot of features that most 2D chairs don’t have, like three memory programs, chromotherapy lights, wall space-saving technology, sleep mode, intelligent voice command control and Bluetooth speakers. The price point is entry level, but you still receive a lot of high-end features.”
Price: $3,999
Features:
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Warranty: Kyota offers a 4-year residential limited warranty that includes unlimited U.S.-based customer and technical support and structural framework coverage.
Color Options:
- Brown
- Black
If you’re interested in the highest-level of massage in a recliner that offers a balance of power, comfort and added features, then the Kyota Kansha M878 could be the reclining massage chair of your dreams. According to our testers, the Kansha “is more spacious than most massage chairs, so it can fit a wider range of body sizes. The material is very comfortable, soft and has a luxurious feel.”
The Kansha’s state-of-the-art 4D back mechanism delivers a professional massage experience that can be easily controlled through intelligent voice command. Its combination of heat therapy, reflexology, zero-gravity recline, calf kneading and oscillation, air ionizers and Bluetooth speakers provide the full benefits of a therapeutic massage at home whenever you need it.
As our review team put it, “This is a very reliable massage chair, not only in residential settings, but commercial settings. It also has a multitude of different features putting the Kansha at premium massage chair level.”
Price: $12,999
Features:
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Warranty: Kyota offers a 4-year residential limited warranty that includes unlimited U.S.-based customer and technical support and structural framework coverage.
Color Options:
- Gold & Tan
- Grey & Black
“I purchased the Kyota Kansha M878 . I watched the video on how to work the remote, but it didn’t say how to set up the sensing body adjustment. I called the Massage Chair Store and they easily explained to me how to adjust the sensing of the body, which I must say makes all the difference in the world. If by some chance you are considering this massage chair, GO FOR IT! YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, PAMPERING YOURSELF! Trust me, it’s worth every penny!”
The Kyota Nokori M980 Syner-D® features two individual massage mechanisms which work synergistically together to deliver therapeutic relief for your upper and lower back. Its unique Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track to offer superior spinal decompression and a full-length neck-to-glutes massage. Lumbar heat therapy and zero gravity recline provide additional lower back relief. Easily operate the chair utilizing its sophisticated touch screen tablet controller.
Price: $5,999
Features:
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Warranty: Kyota offers a 4-year residential limited warranty that includes unlimited U.S.-based customer and technical support and structural framework coverage.
Color Options:
- Black
It’s hard to beat the value of the Kyota Yosei M868. Featuring versatile 4D rollers that offer varying degrees of intensity, the M868 works down the length of your spine from your neck to glutes, providing lumbar heat to soothe sore muscles. This high-end massage chair comes with a host of added features such as airbag compression, calf kneading and oscillation, as well as total sole reflexology. For back pain relief, you’ll enjoy not only zero gravity recline, but a decompression stretch and waist twist. The Bluetooth speakers even include a sync feature that can apply the massage strokes in rhythm to the music.
Price: $12,999
Features:
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Warranty: Kyota offers a 4-year residential limited warranty that includes unlimited U.S.-based customer and technical support and structural framework coverage.
Colors Options:
- Bronze/Brown
- Black & Black
Southern Motion Turbo Recliner
Simple and classic, the Turbo Recliner from Southern Motion allows for independent control of the back, seat and headrest. Its triple bustle back and zero-gravity recline supports the natural curve of your spine. It is available with an optional air and heat massage system for additional rejuvenation and relaxation.
Price: $1,458
Features:
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Warranty: Southern Motion offers a limited lifetime warranty for the black metal components of the reclining mechanism, a five-year warranty for cushions and springs, a three-year warranty for power motors and lift chair components and one-year warranty for all electrical components, including heaters and massage units.
Colors Options:
- Multiple Colors in Top Grain Leather
- Multiple Colors in Fabric
Svago Newton Zero Gravity Recliner
With a minimal and modern design, Svago’s Newton Zero Gravity Recliner is a lightweight addition to any room. Its air-cell massage combined with lumbar heat and zero-gravity position delivers lower back pain relief, while high-density memory foam offers constant support for all parts of the body.
Price: $3,999
Features:
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Warranty: Svago offers a standard warranty of one year in-home service and two years for parts.
Colors Options:
- Grey
- Ivory
- Mahogany Brown
- Carbon
- Tan
- Midnight
Yaheetech Recliner for Back Pain
Simple and straightforward, the Yaheetech Recliner offers three recline positions. Featuring soft-cushioned seats and extra thick foam, the design of the recliner is meant to fit the curve of your back and disperses pressure. The faux leather upholstery is easy to clean and maintain.
Price: $159.99
Features:
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Warranty: Yaheetech offers a 30-day return policy.
Colors Options:
- Black
Let Massage Chair Store Help You Find the Right Relief for Back Pain
When choosing a recliner, start by considering your budget and what features you want to narrow down your options. However, even when you know what you want, choosing the right recliner to relieve back pain can feel a little stressful. That’s why the team of specialists at Massage Chair Store is happy to lend a hand.
We carry several of the brands on this list and, if you see features that you like, we can help you to find a recliner or massage chair that best fits your needs.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options with one of our massage chair experts and experience A+ customer service.”
How We Picked
The goal of this post is to identify the best recliners and massage chairs that can offer relief for back pain. We prioritized models across a variety of price ranges, accounting for different settings and helpful features including zero-gravity design, heat therapy options and either 3D or 4D massage technology.
Our team bases our recommendations by comparing four important factors:
- Price — We try to prioritize a range of options, from more budget-friendly choices to higher-end luxury massage chairs. Our goal is to provide a list of massage chairs that can suit many different budgets.
- Brand Reputation — We’ve been in the industry long enough to know that different brands offer different levels of customer support. We consider a brand’s level of customer service, support for warranty claims and their capability to provide customer support whenever we recommend massage chairs.
- Features — Different massage chairs target different parts of the body and offer an array of massage techniques, intensity settings and targeted muscle groups. We try to prioritize massage chairs that will offer a good baseline of essential massage features and then present a wide range of options across different price points.
- Extras — The right extra features can turn a good massage chair into a great one, but sometimes bells and whistles don’t add enough to the experience. We take a balanced approach by prioritizing massage chairs that offer a decent set of extra features for their price range.
Our team assesses each massage chair by reviewing its features and then testing a sample model. We not only test out each massage chair’s features and functions, but also the quality of its materials, build and accessories. We also consider the overall comfort and style of the massage chair.
After testing each chair, we assign it an internal score that we feel reflects its overall value. We revisit this list on an annual basis to ensure all massage chairs are in stock, continue to meet our high standards and offer our customers the value they deserve.
Our Expertise
At Massage Chair Store, we’ve been in the business of manufacturing, repairing, selling and testing massage chairs for almost 15 years. Our team of trained massage chair specialists not only know the ins and outs of every chair we sell, they’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting in and using different massage chairs to test their functionality, features and overall comfort.
Our team of testers includes a range of body types and sizes. We always ensure that our ratings are based on a balanced consideration of features and budgets to provide our customers with maximum value no matter their price point.
Our expertise is one of the reasons we’re ranked #1 in customer service with thousands of verified five-star reviews that satisfied massage chair owners have left us through Trustpilot.
