IM is a pain in the...

[awaxler]

Back!

Yes, my back is killing me from long hours sitting in front of the computer. I am thinking about replacing my chair with one of those exercise/posture balls.

Anyone have any experience with this...any other suggestions...

Thanks...

[tonywarrior2]

Hi I used one of those chairs with no backs, that you kneel on. Two things: firstly to begin with your back will hurt a bit more as you get used to the new posture. After a while you feel MUCH better. Secondly, I wore through the knees of two pairs of joggers!
Tony

[Mark Dulisse]

Get a great chair, exercise....and see back specialist. You're spine or muscles may need therapy/message.

[mmurtha]

Hey awaxler,

I used to have this problem when I first started working on computers, but I soon realized that it was the way I was sitting, how long I was sitting at one time, and that certain muscles in my back weren't built up.

Here some simple remedies that may help you:

1) Get a good sitting chair, and learn to lean back on it - preferably a high-backed chair that is comfortable like a good office chair.

2) Don't sit at the computer hunched over for extensive time periods. Learn to take breaks even if it's simply to walk into the kitchen to refresh you drink, or wlak around your office. I talk a walk outside after 3-4 hrs if I know I'm going to be at the computer for hours.

3) Train yourself to sit back in the chair, not hunched over to see the screen. Doing so will releave specific muscles from over working.

4) Do some exercise that will work out your upper and lower back. I use a total Gym when I feel good enough to work out. Exercising with one of those big balls helps too.

5) Your body or back will let you know when you are over doing things. Try listening to your body.


Mary

[radhika]

Take break every 30 minutes or so and move around. I use a pillow to support my back. Keep your back straight as much as possible.

.

[tessmac9708]

Go and dig a hole in your garden..you'll be glad to get back to the computer

[epicbob]

I agree with the getting up and moving around every so often. I also sit in front of a computer all day at my job and I was having lots of back pain along with headaches.

Once I learned to sit with my back straight, got my monitor at eye level, and forced myself to stand up and take a quick walk every little while, my problems went away. On those days when I get too involved and forget to get up and walk around I have problems.

[awaxler]

Thanks for all the tips.

Just to clarify...I actually do exercise quite a bit...I ride every weekend and go to the gym several times a week. Lately though I have been putting in many more hours in front of the computer and my back seems to paying the price.

I have a terrible habit of hunching over my computer so I will try force myself to sit more straight (which is why I was thinking about using an exercise ball rather than a chair - I do have a really nice office chair that I use). I will also force myself to take more breaks.

Thanks,
Adam

[blogonator]

Do some light yoga. I tried that, and my back pain became gradually lesser.

[Imran Naseem]

It is like working in an office day job like a call centre. People who work long hours
often struggle - their back starts to hurt..

I would go to the gym on a regular basis and forget "yoga".