Best Recliners for Neck Pain Relief (and Other) Pain

Best Recliners for Neck Pain Relief (and Other Pain)

Sprawling out on a comfy sofa at the end of a long day may sound appealing, but if you suffer from neck pain, you may need to be upright to get relief. The National Spine Health Foundation reports that nearly 100 million Americans struggle with neck and back pain. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the United States spend an average of 43.6% of their workday sitting, so finding a comfortable piece of furniture to relax in that won’t add further stress on your neck, back, and spine is important.

Reclining chairs have been popular since the late 1920s, when La-Z-Boy introduced their first models, and they remain a preferred choice due to their comfort. The right reclining chair can help alleviate unnecessary strain on your body by supporting your neck and spine. “A good recliner can be beneficial for relaxing if you have neck pain, as it provides adequate support and comfort that can alleviate strain on your neck,” says Monique Caruth, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with over a decade of home health care experience.

If you’re dealing with stiffness and soreness, especially in your neck, here’s what to look for in a good recliner.

What to Consider When Choosing a Recliner for Neck Pain

Fit While a recliner usually keeps your feet off the floor, it’s crucial to measure your body to ensure the chair fits you well, especially if purchasing online. Height is particularly important. Physical therapists recommend adjustable reclining chairs because you can adjust them to fit your body’s most comfortable and ideal position. “Consider the proper height and weight for your body when buying a recliner to avoid neck or back pain,” advises Caruth. “It should not be too narrow or too wide. Ensure there is adequate lumbar support and that the recliner is not so soft that you sink into it.”

Rick Douglass, PT, DPT, and President of Franchise Operations for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, emphasizes finding a recliner that suits your body type. “Depending on your height, the neck support portion may be too high, pushing your head forward, which is not ideal. I recommend trying different recliners to find the right fit for you and your spine.”

Ergonomic Support Many people with neck pain also have back issues. Ensure the recliner doesn’t make you slouch, so look for good lumbar support. “You want it to be comfortable but firm enough to reduce any additional strain when getting in and out of it,” says Caruth. Automatic adjustments can be convenient, but a well-designed manual recliner can be just as effective.

Pay close attention to the headrest to ensure it fits you comfortably. Adjustability helps create the best support for your personal needs.

Zero Gravity A zero gravity feature evenly distributes your weight, creating a sensation of weightlessness. This enhances comfort and provides balanced support to your body.

Manual or Power “If choosing a manual recliner, make sure you have sufficient strength to push and pull the lever, enough flexibility to reach the lever, and that it doesn’t rapidly bounce when you adjust positions,” recommends Caruth.

Quality As with other furniture, such as a leather sofa, choose the highest quality recliner you can afford. Look for durability and ease of cleaning.

Our Top Picks for Best Recliners for Neck Pain

Best Luxury Recliner for Neck Pain: Human Touch Perfect Chair® Zero Gravity Classic Manual Recliner Chair Recommended by doctors for its design to relieve back and spine pain, the Perfect Chair® offers ergonomic comfort and protection for your head and neck. It features a manual recline lever and adjustable lumbar support.

Specifications:

Dimensions (upright): 47″ L x 31″ W x 51″ H
Weight limit: 400 pounds
Material: Leather or faux leather (SoHyde)
Type: Manual
Price: Starts at $2299

Best Budget Recliner for Neck Pain: Latitude Run Large Power Lift Recliner Chair with Massage and Heat This affordable lift recliner includes heat and massage features for sore muscles and provides a headrest to stabilize the neck and head. It reclines up to 160 degrees and adjusts easily using two buttons on the armrests.

Specifications:

Dimensions (upright): 42.5” H x 37.4” W x 35” D
Weight limit: 350 pounds
Material: Faux leather
Type: Power
Price: $539.99

Best Power Recliner for Neck Pain: Lyra Zero Gravity Power Recliner with Power Headrest This zero gravity recliner from Raymour & Flanigan includes adjustable lumbar support and a power headrest. It also features a built-in USB port and cup holder.

Specifications:

Dimensions (upright): 40.5″ L x 42″ W x 42.5″ H
Weight limit: N/A
Material: Leather
Type: Power
Price: $2,399.95

Best Recliner for Older Adults: ASHOMELI Large Power Lift Recliner This durable recliner offers lift assistance and is designed to provide adjustable body weight distribution for ergonomic support. It’s recommended by Earl Gunther Jr, PT.

Specifications:

Dimensions (upright): 38″ D x 38″ W x 43″ H
Weight limit: 350 pounds
Material: Leather
Type: Power
Price: $579

Best Manual Recliner for Tall Adults: La-Z-Boy Carleton High Leg Reclining Chair This customizable manual recliner is perfect for taller adults (5’10” to 6’2”) due to its high-leg design. It offers many color and pattern choices, plus standard or memory foam cushions.

Specifications:

Dimensions (upright): 36” W x 39” D x 42” H
Weight limit: N/A
Material: Fabric or leather
Type: Manual
Price: $1,419 – $1,857

Best Modern Recliner for Neck Pain: Stressless Opal Large Leather Reclining Chair and Ottoman This recliner, made from comfortable molded foam, may be a good choice for neck or back strain due to its contoured backrest and pushback reclining ability.

Specifications: