Back Pain And Office Chairs.

[divegirl]

Good morning all!

In the on going quest to relieve my chronic back pain I want to buy a new chair for work. I was hoping my old Alexander teacher was going to help me out here but I have not heard back from her. Although at her previous recommendation I was looking at something like this....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pneumatic-Bar-Office-Saddle-Massage-Stool-Facial-Gas-Lift-Chair-Black-/290628075894?pt=UK_Salon_Equipment&hash=item43aac88176

Any other suggestions?

Lisa x

[Mosaic]

My dentist uses one like that. Let me know how you get on with it!
I've been thinking about devising a standing desk as an alternative, as most office chairs give me jip.
I had one of those kneeling chairs but gave it up after getting in a tangle when I tried to get up quickly - flat on my arris, backwards.

[divegirl]

Sorry Mosaic but....lol

I did look at those ones and can see why you would have had problems.
My problem is that if I'm not busy I slouch on to the arms of my chair, other than that I do sit pretty well.

[TWR]

Don't take this the wrong way "BUT" Back pains!! "Your own chair"" Compo?? Do you know the way I'm going Divegirl??

[Eve]

My occupational therapist sits on one like that! My ex used one of those exercise balls as his work chair.

I need to sort something with mine, I've got a pillow on the back at the moment and need to get a lumbar support. I need something that supports my upper back and neck better.

[TWR]

I would ask for support from your employer regards the type of chair.

[divegirl]

One problem there TWR...I am my employer!

Have you seen these ones Jenna....

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

The thing being, I suppose is you really need to try these things out first, it looks great but I wonder how it would be after an 8 hour shift? That said it does seem to get good reviews.
I actually sit pretty well and comfortably but I do need a new chair anyway...but which one arghhhhhh!

Lisa x

[wizzard]

Go to see an Amatsu practitioner, see www.amatsu.info for lists of them. It's a Japanese therapy from the Meiji period. I was lucky enough to be able to see Dennis Bartram in 2001 when I was having problems. I'd seen all sorts of 'therapists' who did absolutely nothing for me. One session on Dennis's table and the pain was reduced. I had a 'rotation of the third lumbar vertabrae'. When I stood up it was the first time in three months I'd had no pain. Continued for another ten sessions and never had any problems since.
It's not about the chair, it's about how you adjust it and your posture - as you've said "My problem is that if I'm not busy I slouch on to the arms of my chair" - Don't!

[Psybbo]

Spooky how the ad for office furniture has appeared

[divegirl]

The problem is Wizzard, I can't afford 10 sessions of anything :0( I was seeing an Alexander Technique teacher last year who helped me a lot. I have degeneration of the vertebrae now so am just looking for ways to make life a little easier.

Lisa x

[boxtops]

Try a chair without arms, too - I can't bear using an armed chair at work, they get in the way of my elbows.

[daffy654]

My physio recommended this chair for me:

http://www.projectxoffice.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=313

I couldn't afford it though :(

[divegirl]

Di he say what the benefits of that particular chair were Daffy?

[daffy654]

I was told it has an excellent lumbar support for help with lower back pain, it forces you to sit in a 'spine lengthening' posture as long as you sit with your bottom far back on the seat. The arm rests can also be raised or lowered to suit the user so there is no hunching of the shoulders to contend with.

[EcclesCake]

I was told that it doesn't matter how fancy your chair is if it is not set up correctly and you don't sit in it properly it is pointless.

Stools tend to encourage better posture as it is harder to slouch on them, exercise balls have the added benefit of strengthening you core muscles but can be tiring to start with and after a long period if use.

Good luck in your quest!

[divegirl]

Thanks Daffy.

Very true that Eccles, I have been taught to sit properly...it's just a shame I never got to the bit about walking properly as that is when all of my pain is. I think I'm leaning towards the saddle chair to be honest.

Lisa x

[EcclesCake]

I don't think it's a coincidence that the saddle chair is so popular......

[divegirl]

Very true.

Thank you all for your input.

Lisa x

[Maydup]

I have back pain but I'm at my most comfortable when I'm sitting in my office chair. The important thing for me is the lumbar support. Make sure the back rest moves up and down (not many do) and in and out, to allow you to fit it to your shape. No backs, fixed backs and partially fixed backs which only move in and out, are all fairly useless for me and my back pain.

Could you find a local supplier with a showroom where you could try them out perhaps? Or even pop to the out of town Staples or somewhere like that and have a sit on a few of theirs?

[vincent24]

You can go for ergonomic chairs. They are really good for back pain and neck strain. There are variety of models available in the market. I got mine from a stoe called Victoria. Have a look at it.
http://www.victoria.my/furniture/offices/chair