topic Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily) in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

NadiaNoori — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:01:07 GMT

I'm not too sure where I can ask this question on this forum though I thought it would be the best place to hear from a individuals like me who work over 9-10 hours a day sitting in front of a computer and working with geo-spatial data. I've been doing some research on it, but everything is all over the place in terms of height, fabric, design.

I'm a 5'5 female, mesomorph body type and average weight. I have degenerative disc disease so proper lumbar support is necessary. I sit for about nine hours 4-5 days a week, I work up to 40 hours or more so soft cushioning would be ideal as well. Two chairs that are acclaimed across the web that I found were in the $600-1000 range, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for right now.

Something $300 and less is more realistic. If anyone has any recommendation or suggestions, I would really appreciate it, as it would give me some direction. Thanks!

- Nadia

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

RobertBorchert — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:12:14 GMT

I had to look up what mesomorph meant. I have a Herman Miller chair. It cost around $1400 but we got them in bulk. It is very comfortable for all day long.

For $300 or less you really are going to be more limited for high end chairs for specific back issues.

You best bet may be to go to Office Max and check out their selection. Some office supply professionals have a loaner program where you can lease a chair for a week or two to check it out.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

NadiaNoori — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:17:53 GMT

Thank you for your comment Robert. I should have clarified, mesomorph means muscular and well-built.

I saw that chair, its the Embody model. I really like that one and it is my first choice as well though my office is on a budget and this is slightly a couple hundred over. I'll try to bring it up anyway.

With time and location limitations, I haven't been able to venture out and try some chairs out for myself. Though it was helpful to know about the loaner program, I did not know of that. I will look into some local suppliers in that case!

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

RobertBorchert — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:24:03 GMT

We have an office professional company that brought out 3 different model chairs for us to try. We each tried them for 2 days.

Yes I looked it up what it meant and figured out it was a humble brag.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

JoshuaBixby — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:36:28 GMT

The most important suggestion I can make, don't be sitting for 9+ hours a day. A good chair is important, but I would say no chair can overcome the generally negative effects of sitting for prolonged periods of time 5 days a week. I would look into either a desk to desktop addon that allows you to stand or sit throughout the day.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

RobertBorchert — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:43:06 GMT

Our company offers the option of standing desks that move up and down. They are growing in popularity.

I have been meaning to ask Joshua. Any relation to Dr.'s Bixby from SCSU

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

JoshuaBixby — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:51:42 GMT

None, at least not that I am aware. Now that you have pointed it out, I will have to take a closer look at the family tree since Dr. Bixby is in the same neck of the woods that my family resides.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

RobertBorchert — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:55:11 GMT

There were two Dr. Bixby's at SCSU. Husband and wife. He passed away several years ago. Pretty much started the GIS Program and Lab up from nothing. And your also in Minnesota so I was wondering.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

CaseyStilton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:19:02 GMT

What do you think about massage chairs for the office? Probably something like those in the list?

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

HazelEmily — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:09:51 GMT

If you're spending 9+ hours a day at a computer, I'd focus on adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and armrests rather than just cushioning. A chair that fits your body properly can make a huge difference over long sessions. It may also be worth looking at your overall workstation setup, since alternating between sitting and standing can help reduce strain from staying in one position all day.

I've been researching ergonomic workspaces recently and came across the Premium Standing Desk (E7 Pro) as part of a more flexible home office setup. Pairing a good chair with an adjustable desk seems to be a combination many people find beneficial for long-term comfort.

Re: Recommendations for Ergonomic Office Chairs with Lumbar Support for GIS Individuals working Long Hours (9+/Daily)

DanM1 — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:16:12 GMT

If you're dealing with degenerative disc disease and spending 9–10 hours a day at a desk, adjustable lumbar support and seat depth are probably more important than the chair material itself. In the $300 range, you may have to compromise on some premium features, but it's still possible to find something comfortable with good ergonomics.

You could also look into adding an ergonomic cushion or lumbar pillow to improve support. Some people who work long hours at a computer pair their setup with wellness products from OSIM, such as massage cushions, to help relieve back tension after work, rather than relying entirely on the chair itself.

Since you're 5'5", I'd suggest focusing on chairs with adjustable armrests, seat height, and firm lumbar support. Reading reviews from people with similar back conditions can also help narrow down your options.