Post: #1

Just though I would share a little thing that I have been doing for awhile.

I sit for most of my day at the computer and my desk, and it has started to really strain my back. I now do not use a chair as it hurts and now instead either sit on an exercise ball or stand up.

Standing and typing is bit weird to type and I find it that the neck gets strained a bit faster vs. sitting.

The exercise ball also helps strengthen parts of the body by balancing and is really helping my back.

If I had space and money I would probably try one of those treadmill/stationary bike desks.

What are your thoughts?

Post: #2

Do you not find you would be slouching over more? When I sit in my computer chair I'm always trying to sit straight up in the chair. I do find it hurts my legs though after extended periods of sitting. I can see myself sub-consciously going into a hunched over state like golum on the exersize ball without my backrest to align my spine, or am I over thinking this? It might be nice sitting on the ball though if it's better for your back since my backs usually hurting doing hard labour.

Post: #3

I have a standing desk also and try to stand half of the day. I have a high chair so I can sit or stand as I please. I don't have back problems but I figured it couldn't hurt.

Your neck probably strains because your monitor isn't high enough. It should be at or near eye level.

Post: #4

(03-05-2013 01:23 AM)JayRock604 Wrote:  Do you not find you would be slouching over more? When I sit in my computer chair I'm always trying to sit straight up in the chair. I do find it hurts my legs though after extended periods of sitting. I can see myself sub-consciously going into a hunched over state like golum on the exersize ball without my backrest to align my spine, or am I over thinking this? It might be nice sitting on the ball though if it's better for your back since my backs usually hurting doing hard labour.

Is it your lower back? Might be hurting due to tons of tension in your hips, hamstrings and calves from sitting.

Post: #5

i used to use one of those...it was actually a chair type thing with an inflatable ball being held in the chair. got tired of it after a while..then we got some nice ergonomic chairs and i haven't looked back.

Post: #6

I've tried it and, after a few hours of giggly feeling of fun, the sense of falling begins to annoy you and you being slouching to maintain the balance. It also becomes hard to type normally, unless your ball (no, not that ball you perv) is really large to provide elevation. It just didn't work for me.

I think a better alternative is to sit in your normal office chair but take a 5-minute break every hour and a half to stretch and do some light exercise.

Post: #7

8 Steps To Pain-Free Back offers two methods for sitting in a chair.

Stacksitting and Stretchsitting. Sounds like snake oil but I recommend to check them (and the book) out.

Post: #8

(03-05-2013 02:24 AM)PartyonBro Wrote:  i used to use one of those...it was actually a chair type thing with an inflatable ball being held in the chair. got tired of it after a while..then we got some nice ergonomic chairs and i haven't looked back.

This.

Not the coolest option, will probably never be a fad but a great ergonomic chair with a good lumbar support will look after you.

My issue with exercise balls (in a nutshell) is that your back extensors fatigue if they have to support you all day. We all know fatigued muscles produce lactic acid which sensitises nerves etc etc then causes pain.

On the other hand - the idea of alternating between standing is great. Sitting is an incredibly unnatural posture to sustain for a period time. Our bodies are designed for movement - great idea on the treadmill desk. I know there are even dynamic stairs machine - all great ideas which would see me loose half my clients.

Post: #9

Learn how to do proper barbell squats and deadlifts at the gym (and not in the smith rack). Your back muscles like the erector spinae will become much stronger and supporting yourself in good posture in *any* chair for extended hours becomes much, much easier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erector_spinae_muscles

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-deadlift-w...technique/

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-squat-with...-problems/

Post: #10

(03-05-2013 02:13 AM)WesternCancer Wrote:  Is it your lower back? Might be hurting due to tons of tension in your hips, hamstrings and calves from sitting.

Lower to middle back, yeah. Now that I'm thinking about it I should really just try stretching after and before work. I'll try this ball thing out, my back and legs really starts to kill after about an hour at the computer though. Or I just need to start drinking after work, that would also help, I'm sure

Post: #11

(03-05-2013 08:50 AM)Fatless Wrote:  Learn how to do proper barbell squats and deadlifts at the gym (and not in the smith rack). Your back muscles like the erector spinae will become much stronger and supporting yourself in good posture in *any* chair for extended hours becomes much, much easier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erector_spinae_muscles

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-deadlift-w...technique/

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-squat-with...-problems/

Truth. I squat heavy several times per week (below parallel of course) and deadlift once a week. I'm able to work 12+ hours / day in a chair in front of a computer with no back, neck, or leg problems. I do take breaks every hour or so and do a 2 min walk around the office, to kitchen, etc.

Post: #12

One word: yoga.

Post: #13

Lower back exercises are a must.

Standing desk (yoga balls are nice, but the Mac fatigue is annoying) or treadmill computer station would be preferable.

The real thing you need to do is combat sedentary lifestyle.

Post: #14

(03-05-2013 03:10 PM)rmo Wrote:  Lower back exercises are a must.

Standing desk (yoga balls are nice, but the Mac fatigue is annoying) or treadmill computer station would be preferable.

The real thing you need to do is combat sedentary lifestyle.

Lower, mid, and upper back exercises are a must. You hit all of them with proper barbell squats and deadlifts. See my post above. Isolating your lower back to be stronger is only going to leave your support structure in your posterior lopsided in strength and won't help your posture or pain in the long run.

Post: #15

IKEA has created a sit-stand desk that raises and lowers electronically. Selling for under $500, it's much cheaper than other similar sit-stand desks on the market. Quality is always a concern for me with Ikea products, but I've found the more expensive items hold up better than the entry level throwaways.

QZ Article

Post: #16

I have been using a standing desk for almost three years now. I don't sit at all. I will never go back to sitting at work. I used to have problems with lower and upper back spasms. Those have disappeared since I switched to a standing desk. It's true that a standing desk puts more pressure on your neck and shoulders. Proper posture is a must. Also, while standing you should clench your abdominal muscles every few minutes. This will help strengthen your core. Furthermore, I'm not as tired at the end of the day as I used to be when using a chair.

Post: #17

Its best its adjustable. I bruised my foot in October, and have not been able to use the stand setting due it putting extra pressure on the foot. When my foot is fully healed I would go back to standing most of the time.

Post: #18

What type of chair do you have?

At work, I started getting lower back pain from sitting. I discovered that when my legs aren't parallel to the floor but at an angle I get pain.

My wrists also will start to hurt if my arm rests are also not level with my keyboard.

Try modifying how you sit instead of doing drastic stuff like this.

Do you work out at all?