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Are those $1,000 Herman Mill Aeron or Steelcase Gesture chairs worth it?

DragoonKain

Neighbours from Hell
I've been dealing with back pain and I've been using a DX Racer chair for a few years(it was a Christmas present) years back. I notice that my back pain gets worse when I sit in it than when I'm laying down. But it was an expensive chair, like $400 or so.

I was looking for maybe something that will help with my back pain and those two expensive ass chairs are always the first two that come up when I google "Best office chair."

Are they worth it? I really don't want to spend that kinda money on a chair, but if it'll be a game changer for my back, I'd consider it. Problem is, there's not many places you can test drive chairs and see how they feel with your back, so kinda gotta blind buy.
 

The Pleasure

Gold Member
I've been dealing with back pain and I've been using a DX Racer chair for a few years(it was a Christmas present) years back. I notice that my back pain gets worse when I sit in it than when I'm laying down. But it was an expensive chair, like $400 or so.

I was looking for maybe something that will help with my back pain and those two expensive ass chairs are always the first two that come up when I google "Best office chair."

Are they worth it? I really don't want to spend that kinda money on a chair, but if it'll be a game changer for my back, I'd consider it. Problem is, there's not many places you can test drive chairs and see how they feel with your back, so kinda gotta blind buy.
is it nerve damage? Because you're gonna have to lie down to get relief. Otherwise you're gonna want to look into pregabalin or it's name brand Lyrica. That stuff is a godsend for nerve damage. Helps the stabbing pain going down my leg and lower back.
 

DragoonKain

Neighbours from Hell
is it nerve damage? Because you're gonna have to lie down to get relief. Otherwise you're gonna want to look into pregabalin or it's name brand Lyrica. That stuff is a godsend for nerve damage. Helps the stabbing pain going down my leg and lower back.
I don't know for sure yet, waiting for a specialist appointment in a couple weeks, and I'll see if they order imaging on my back.
 

godhandiscen

There are millions of whiny 5-year olds on Earth, and I AM THEIR KING.
I have an aeron and it is worth it imo. I also have an standing desk. I would rank the standing desk higher than the aeron chair though.

Also, anything but a gaming chair is better for your back. Gaming chairs are styled after racing chairs, which are bent on the shoulders to provide support for drivers under specific acceleration/turning forces. For a resting individual, they will only damage your shoulders.
 
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12Goblins

Lil’ Gobbie
Not really, but they can mitigate your pain while you sit an extended period of time. look for one on craigslist.

Ultimately, however, only a foam roller, strengthening the muscles that support your back, and practicing good posture will fix the root problem. Yes, this will take years, so better start now

Once you start analgesics, they will govern your life, for better or for worse
 
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The Pleasure

Gold Member
Not really, but they can mitigate your pain while you sit an extended period of time. look for one on craigslist.

Ultimately, however, only a foam roller, strengthening the muscles that support your back, and practicing good posture will fix the root problem. Yes, this will take years, so better start now

Once you start analgesics, they will govern your life, for better or for worse
Lyrica is not an analgesic. It's classified as an anticonvulsant. Nerve pain isn't really touched by those drugs unfortunately. And thankfully I don't have any side effects on the medication. Just the pain coming back.

I do use the foam roller thing at a chiro though He has one of those tables where a foam roller goes up and down the back with hard pressure. Feels great and cracks the bones.
 
I sit in an Aeron for 40 hours a week while working and it's great. My back never feels sore or tired at the end of the day. I don't have one at home, but totally would buy one if I sat at a desk for more than a couple hours per day.

Also check your area if there are any office liquidators. You can get a used chair(if you don't mind) for hundreds below msrp.
 
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lachesis

Member
I moved from flattened out office-depot 100 dollar chair - so I had a lot of butt pain, along with back pain to.
I recently bought Aeron (used) - and it's much more comfortable. At least butt part is now completely gone - but the back pain is still there.
It supports the lower back so much better than the old one - The reason for it is mostly because of my bad posture, especially when I'm working for a long long time.

Like I've been working almost 8+ hours straight on the chair - and as I get tired, I would slug and even sit back with my legs on the desk - but as my butt moves forward, my back loses the contact with the lumbar support - creating strain.

But as far as ergonomics go, the chair, when used upstraight and correctly, forms into my back and feel very comfortable. I just need to correct my posture....
 

AmuroChan

Member
I have a Embody and it's worth every penny. I used to get back pain all the time sitting in my old chair, but after getting the Embody I've not had any issues with my back at all. I sit in my chair at least 8 hours every day. So it's absolutely worth the one time investment to not have to experience lower back pain again.
 
Herman Miller make great chairs but I think they are still too expensive at regular price. Maybe look for a used one, or your workplace to invest in them lol. That being said, they are not miracle workers. Better go see a specialist for the back pain.
 

Valonquar

Member
I got a Hermal Miller Embody chair a few months back. I had to drive a couple of hours to the closest place with floor models to test out. I went back & forth between Aeron and Embody for a long time before deciding to go with the Embody. It has definitely improved my posture a great deal and I have way less lower back pain. I generally work from home all day and then spend even more time at my desk PC gaming afterward. I'm also 6'7 and a lot of other chairs just didn't sit right on my lower back, so my options were limited. It doesn't hurt that the Embody has a very unique look either.
 
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SpiceRacz

Member
I've used them at work and they're really comfortable. The build quality/parts are also noticeably better than your standard office chair. You should check out used office furniture stores in your area. They sell them basically refurbished.
 

DarkestHour

Banned
I have an Aeron and it's not worth it. It's actually pretty uncomfortable with how stiff the seating is. Would much prefer a chair with cushions. Also, the arms don't go down low enough/can't be removed so I have to sit incredibly far from my desk which leads to pain when using mouse.

I would recommend you try sitting in the chairs you're looking at purchasing.

I sat on an old Steelcase Leap chair a few months ago and found it much more comfortable, but I'm not shelling out another $500+ for a chair so soon.
 
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Pakoe

Member
Absolutely. I own an Aeron and am gonna use this for the rest of my life.
However, I would advise to test out a few chairs. It might not suit you.
 

Garibaldi

Member
I picked up the Aeron in the summer when we got told we can permanently WFH. It's by far the best seat I've ever sat in after 20 years of office work. Absolutely worth it imo, plus the warranty is great
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Aeron here. Yes, and you don't need to spend 1k on one. Get a refurb for half that and your back will thank you.
 

navii

My fantasy is that my girlfriend was actually a young high school girl.
Currently using a Nattraby from Ikea, its more of a recliner, its super comfy. Only downside is it has no wheels.
 

Keihart

Member
Ergohumans fit mesh are pretty neat, i've worked on one for years and the thing is still like new.
I'm looking for the Ioo from the same brand for my desk at home, they are like half the price than the aeron for pretty similar ergonomics (or better) but the Herman Miller is way more premium in materials and in my opinion looks better, can't get one here for less than 3K here unless i get lucky on some special storage sale or something.

I strongly recommend this channel for your chair investigation endeavors, might help you decide before buying.
https://www.youtube.com/user/btodTV
 
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As long as you go for professional office equipment chairs and not gaming stuff you will have really good one with that budget.
 
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