The Role of Ergonomic Office Chairs in Preventing Back Pain

If you’re sitting in your office, and your back hurts by noon, your chair may be the problem.

Back pain is one of the world’s most common health problems. According to the World Health Organization (2023), 619 million people live with low back pain globally, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. WHO

The Lancet Global Burden of Disease study (2023) projects that by 2050, this number will rise to 843 million. PubMed

For office workers, prolonged sitting in poorly designed chairs is one of the contributors. While no single change can eliminate back pain entirely, research consistently shows that ergonomics — including seating design — plays an important role in prevention.

Why Back Pain Happens in the Office

Sitting for long hours may feel harmless, but research shows otherwise. Prolonged sitting is linked to musculoskeletal strain, stiffness, and increased health risks. Mayo
Poor seating design can make this worse:

• Static posture: long sitting reduces blood flow and stiffens spinal structures.
• Unsupported lower back: without lumbar support, the spine collapses into a “C” shape, straining muscles and discs.
• Fixed design: flat or non-adjustable backs force unnatural postures that increase pressure on the lower spine.

What Ergonomics Really Means

The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as “the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system.” IEA

In the context of seating, ergonomics means designing chairs to:

• Support the spine’s natural curve
• Allow adjustability (height, depth, recline, armrests)
• Encourage natural movement
• Reduce strain on shoulders and neck

What the Evidence Says

A systematic review of chair interventions for office workers (2022) found that ergonomic chair designs and adjustments were associated with reductions in low back discomfort in some studies. PubMed

While not a cure, well-designed seating can improve comfort and help reduce risk when combined with other workplace strategies.

Important: An ergonomic chair is not a medical treatment. It supports healthier posture and reduces risk, but should be combined with regular breaks, movement, and proper workstation setup.

Malaysia’s Context

Low back pain is also highly prevalent in Malaysia. A 2023 systematic review found that prevalence rates ranged from 12.4% to 84.6%, depending on the group studied, with nurses among the most affected. PubMed

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) has issued clear guidance on workplace seating. In its Seating at Work guideline (2024) DOSH, DOSH states:

“Seating design is crucial in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Chairs should provide adequate lumbar support, allow adjustability, and promote comfort during prolonged sitting.”

Merryfair’s Approach to Ergonomic Design

At Merryfair, we believe that chairs should adapt to the human body — not the other way around. Our designs follow ergonomic principles recognized by international experts and Malaysian authorities.

For example, the WAU chair incorporates:

• A glide mechanism that moves naturally with the user
• Adjustable lumbar support for long-hour comfort
• An award-winning design that blends aesthetics with ergonomics

We don’t claim WAU is a cure for back pain. Instead, it provides a foundation for healthier sitting, aligned with both global research and Malaysia’s ergonomic guidelines.

Low back pain is a global and local challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Research confirms that ergonomics — when combined with healthy work habits — can reduce discomfort and support productivity.

By aligning design with science, Merryfair contributes to healthier workplaces where people can focus, create, and perform without being held back by pain.

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