17 Ergonomic Desk Essentials for Managing Chronic Pain in the Office

Posted on July 31, 2025 | Updated on July 31, 2025

Whether working from an office or from home, ergonomic office supplies are nonnegotiable. Many people do not question working for more than eight hours a day in the same position with minimal movement, and which puts a lot of stress on the body. 

The experience is different for those with chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, migraines, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and carpal tunnel. Fortunately, many organizations have worked to design products for individuals so their experience is as comfortable as possible. Here is what we recommend, based on my own experience as a writer and designer with EDS, as well as the experiences of many other desk workers with similar conditions.

1. Ergonomic Keyboard

Most desk workers constantly send emails or type reports, putting immense pressure on bones and limbs.

Health Impacts

If left unchecked, repeated, aggressive typing can lead to numerous health concerns. Conditions can develop, including carpal tunnel and tendonitis. Workers can also incite muscle strain, leading to pain, stiffness, and tingling up to the shoulders. The flat layout of most keyboards encourages this, which can lead to potential irreversible damage.

Ergonomic Considerations

Workers want to focus on contouring and the required force when looking for ergonomic alternatives. This promotes the arms and hands to be in more relaxed and natural positions for the arms, hands, wrists and forearms. Keyboards should also have customization options to manage tilt, and wrist rests should provide additional support. The keys should also be easy to press so it does not demand too much from the typist.

Designerly’s Recommendations

Ergonomic keyboards come in many shapes and sizes, with split and sloped variations being the most common. 

Logitech Wave

Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard with Cushioned Palm Rest, Comfortable Natural Typing, Easy-Switch, Bluetooth, Logi Bolt Receiver, for Multi-OS, Windows/Mac - Graphite

For those who don’t want a fully separated keyboard, I highly recommend the Logitech Wave wireless keyboard, which features a wavelike shape that places your hands in a more natural position for typing. The cushioned wrist pad is a must-have for alleviating wrist pain associated with typing for long periods. Plus, with color options in black, white and pink, there are options available to suit many aesthetic preferences.

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KINESIS Freestyle2

The Kinesis Freestyle2 separated keyboard comes in nine-inch and 20-inch options. The low-force key switches and standardized layout make it a natural choice for plug-and-play comfort. 

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Cloud Nine C989M

Cloud Nine C989M Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard for PC - Kailh Tactile Brown Switches - RGB Light Up LED Backlit with USB - Ergo Split Key Board with Macro

Another excellent separated keyboard option is the Cloud Nine C989M sloped mechanical keyboard. The slope is made for people with arthritis or carpal tunnel. It features Kailh Linear Brown switches, which give each key a satisfying press with low activation requirements. Plus, the rainbow backlight adds a nice ambience. 

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Keychron Q13 Max

Keychron Q13 Max Alice Layout QMK Wireless Custom Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard with 3-Mode BT5.2/2.4GHz/USB-C, Hot Swappable PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlight, Red Switch & Knob for MacOS & Windows, Q13M-M1

Office workers with chronic pain who want an unique, aesthetic keyboard can also try the Keychron Q13 Alice keyboard, which has a different layout than most. It is made from high-quality aluminum, giving it a luxurious feel. 

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2. Supportive Desk Chair

Because your chair is where you’re spending most of your time as an office professional, it’s just as crucial to managing chronic pain at a desk job as the technology you use.

Health Impacts

The impact of a nonsupportive desk chair goes beyond general discomfort, particularly for those who suffer from chronic back, neck or hip pain. The wrong chair can encourage poor posture, causing the user to hunch over and strain their neck and spine. Chairs that are too high or small can also cause circulation issues due to impeded blood flow caused by your feet not touching the ground.

Ergonomic Considerations

Adjustability is key in all ergonomic office supplies, but especially chairs. Managing tilt and height allows the chair to form to the individual, giving extra lumbar and arm support. A high backrest that extends up to the next is also important because it invites the person to lean back and relax the muscles. Quality cushioning also reduces the weight put on the spine and muscles.

Designerly’s Recommendations

While we have a whole article dedicated to nearly 20 of the best office chairs for WFH professionals, the following are our top three recommendations specifically for those struggling with chronic pain issues.

Winrise Ergonomic High-Back Desk Chair

Winrise’s high-back ergonomic chair is specifically designed for professionals who are seated for long periods of time day to day. The chair features a wide headrest that can be adjusted up and down as well as rotated, along with dedicated lumbar support and adjustable armrests. Plus, numerous fun colors ranging from classic black or white to blue or pink make this chair suitable for a wide range of environments.

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COMHOMA Big and Tall Office Chair

For those interested in a more executive chair feel, the COMHOMA Big and Tall chair provides a sleek, classic look in multiple stylish color options while offering comfortable lumbar support. The chair even has a footrest that can easily retract when not in use.

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Homall Gaming Chair

Finally, those looking for more of a gaming chair experience may enjoy the ergonomic Homall gaming chair, which features a headrest and dedicated lumbar support. The chair is made of durable shaping foam that’s heralded as holding its shape well over time.

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3. Standing Desk

Just as important as the chair you use is the desk you spend your time at. Most professionals recommend trying to stand for at least part of the day, making standing desks an ideal option for anyone with chronic pain who is able to stand. Even if you’re not able to stand, a standing desk can allow you to comfortably adjust your desk’s height to accommodate a larger chair or a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid.

Health Impacts

Most people use a standard computer desk, but there are other alternatives. Standing desks can help with posture for those who want flexibility. Sitting for too long can also lead to heart issues, as research shows men who spend 23 hours a week at a desk are 64% more likely to have cardiovascular disease than those who only sit for 11 hours weekly. Remaining stagnant promotes poor circulation, which can exacerbate these issues.

Ergonomic Considerations

Consider the amount of space you have available under your desk. The best desks allow for plenty of space for your legs and feet to rest comfortably, which can be limited if the desk comes with a large amount of under-desk storage. You may also want to consider desks with rounded edges that are less strenuous on your wrists as they rest on the desk’s edge, or otherwise use a wrist rest to avoid contact stress.

Designerly’s Recommendations

The following are a few standing desk options that can make excellent workspaces for those with chronic pain.

HUANUO Electric Standing Desk

The HUANUO standing desk is a slightly-curved desk option, which allows for more comfortable working conditions without accidental bumps. The desk features drawers and a specific raised area for computer monitors, which can help reduce neck strain by raising monitor height. The desk’s adjustable height is electric-powered, meaning users can avoid the wrist strain that manually adjusting a standing desk’s height can cause.

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OffiGo Electric Standing Desk

Those looking for a large amount of desk space may enjoy the OffiGo standing desk, which features a reversible L-shaped design. It also has four fabric drawers, allowing for ample storage space.

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VIVO Desk Converter Sit-to-Stand Dual Monitor Riser

Finally, for those who have an existing desk that they’d like to transform with sit/stand compatibility, the VIVO desk converter is an excellent option. The 32-inch stand is suitable for dual monitor setup and even provides a large area underneath for a keyboard and mouse.

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4. Ergonomic Computer Mouse

Navigating a cursor seems mindless, but everyone should think about their wrist and fingers, whether using a trackpad or a conventional mouse.

Health Impacts

Many of the same adverse side effects of using a low-quality keyboard occur with a poorly designed mouse. However, workers can also develop mouse shoulder, a specific pain acquired from repeated mouse movement.

Ergonomic Considerations

The best mouse for desk jobs varies based on need. Vertical mice help the hand rest more naturally. Ambidextrous designs allow people to switch hands to spread the working load, and trackball mice give users more options for controlling the cursor using fingers or thumbs. A quality mouse pad made of memory foam is ideal for comforting the wrist.

Designerly’s Recommendations

Logitech Lift Vertical Mouse

The Logitech Lift mouse is a fan-favorite for alleviating most hand pains. It is available in a left- and right-hand option. With a 57-degree tilt, it is the perfect angle for soothing the forearm. It is ergonomically certified and tested by professionals.

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Anker USB-Wired Vertical Mouse

If you want something wired, the Anker ergonomic mouse is an affordable choice. It’s another vertical-style mouse with a more modern design. Holding it feels like a handshake.

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Rollermouse Pro

The Rollermouse Pro is the most unconventional design of the bunch. It promises to lower shoulder pain, minimize the needed reach and eliminate the need to have a strong grip. It comes with memory foam padding and programmable buttons, so using shortcuts and other controls can feel as natural as possible.

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Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse

Finally, since not everyone likes the unconventional design of a vertical mouse, the Logitech M510 is another excellent and more conventional choice. I prefer this mouse for my own day-to-day due to its ergonomic design without hyperextending my fingers like some vertical mice tend to. The mouse features a contoured shape with gentle curves and a large resting area to avoid a pinched or cupped palm posture.

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5. Headsets

It is easy to forget how important a headset can be during the workday. Those with chronic migraines or regular ear pain should consider the investment.

Health Impacts

Tight headsets or invasive earplugs can cause more problems than many expect. In addition to prolonged ear damage, the constrictions can worsen chronic pain and lead to extended migraines, blurry eyes and lost focus. If the muscles become too tight, they can also lead to neck pain.

Ergonomic Considerations

Lightweight, well-padded headphones are the best route. Stereo headsets are better than earbuds because of their extra features, such as noise-cancelling to reduce sound requirements, adjustable headbands to fit for comfort and bone-conduction properties to reduce the amount of sound signals going straight into the ear.

Designerly’s Recommendations

Philips SHP9500

The Philips SHP9500 is an incredible value for its benefits. Its open-air design is easier on the ears, and its low-clamping feel should help those prone to headaches and migraines feel like nothing is there.

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Audio Technica ATHAD700X

The Audio Technica ATHAD700X is another open-back option made from lightweight material with self-adjusting wings. It is known for its wonderful acoustics, which minimize strain.

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Koss KSC75

For budget-seekers, the Koss KSC75 is an underrated gem. They are around-the-ear clips, so they do not put pressure on the top of the head.

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Other Considerations for the Best Desk Supplies for Chronic Pain

Additionally, these products are not a substitute for medical assistance. Workers will benefit from the most operably designed tools by speaking with experts or attending physical therapy. Regular breaks from the pressures of staying in the same place all day and exercise are great ways to stretch and get some light movement.

Ergonomics professionals can also perform workplace assessments if a situation is affected. They can recommend improvements based on harmful stimuli or working habits. Most require workers to listen to their bodies and notice their pain cues.

Ergonomic Office Supplies for Managing Chronic Pain at a Desk Job

Working with chronic pain is manageable with the right tools and guidance. If possible, everyone should complement medical advice with tools to support their comfort and work ethic. These are the best recommendations on the market for gentler equipment on the body, which everyone should try to make office life more enjoyable.

About The Author

Eleanor Hecks is the Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine, an online publication dedicated to providing in-depth content from the design and marketing industries. When she's not designing or writing code, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog in their RV, burning calories at a local Zumba class, or curled up with a good book with her cats Gem and Cali.

You can find more of Eleanor's work at www.eleanorhecks.com.

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