Hi folks, new here. Apologies if this is well-trodden ground, I have tried searching. I would appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction or able to offer advice.
I'll try and be concise - my work has involved extensive computer editing for about the last 10 years or more. Like a lot of people I guess I thought I was sitting OK until I started getting problems in the last few years.
I am now 36, probably above average health and fitness as I work out and do a lot of dog walking. I eat well and drink lots of water.
The problems seem to be on 2 main fronts -
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Here are the measures I've taken:
- repeated visits to sports masseurs who are very effective at relieving tension and knots, until they begin to come back that is
- more recently, some chiropractic treatment, which provided similar relief to the knots and tension, plus some spine and neck crunching. Always came back feeling much better - for a while....
- various combinations of different computer mice solutions, lumbar support etc.
- a few months ago I converted to use of a standup desk, after doing some research. Monitors at eye height, keyboard and mouse at level appropriate for forearms (elbows at right angles). For about 6 weeks this felt like 'hallelujah I've solved it'... but then the problems started creeping back.
- I even use a handheld trackball mouse often, so I'm literally standing straight in front of the computer with my arms by my sides, staring straight ahead. And yet I still get the problems.
- use of spiky massage ball in a sock against the wall - brings temporary relief to trouble spots.
But I can't seem to beat this thing. We're not talking extreme pain here, but discomfort that becomes a builds up to become a real issue when working. Continuing treatment is costly, and I wondered if anyone could advise if there are any other approaches could try to attempt to minimize this issue.
Any advice much appreciated!
Hi, Welcome 🙂
I think you have covered practically everything, and have come to realise the basic fact is that we are not designed to sit (or stand) in one position for long periods of time. Your post is pretty comprehensive and you have tried most obvious solutions. I do wonder if it is possible for you to have two work areas though? Perhaps one standing and one sitting so that you can change positions? Might that help?
Otherwise rest and exercise between sessions, unless you can think of an underlying cause that is that may be treated or improved?
This may appear to be a very odd question, but how is your back when you are driving? I had problems for a while when I was driving a Peugeot - use of the foot pedals affected the whole of my spinal column, as they were slightly off-set from the seat position - ideal for a male, but not the pelvis of a female. Wierd! But, as soon as I started driving another car, the back problems resolved.
Of course - it may just be me!!!!
I also agree with Cascara - alter your work station/placement regularly and make sure that massage therapy is a regular part of your life, rather than having to resort to it when you have a problem.
Hi, thanks both for your replies. No, driving has never seemed to be a factor in this!
However I have just abandoned the standup desk (shame cos I liked it a lot in principle) after deciding to follow the research cited here:
[url]BBC News - Sitting straight 'bad for backs'[/url]
So far it does actually feel like progress - sitting at an angle greater than 90. Seems to be counteracting the problematic alignment of shoulders that I am apparently so susceptible to.
But what you say about having breaks from any position is also wise. Will have to see how I feel in about a month with my new seat position... fingers crossed.