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Low back pain while sitting at a desk all day?

post #1 of 26
11/21/10 at 3:23pm
Thread Starter 
I sit in front of a computer most of the day, and my low back pain is often horrible, exhausting and distracting. (I'm 27, if that matters.)

I've tried using this lumbar support thing that attaches to the lower part of the chair's back. It helps somewhat, but to get any benefit, I'd have to press my back to the chair - the moment I lean forward to type or look over some paperwork, my back starts to hurt again.

I used to do a lot of weightlifting up until a couple of years ago. I did plenty of squats and deadlifts. I always assumed those exercises had developed a great foundational strength in my low back, but now I wonder if they did more harm than good. (And yes, I paid a lot of attention to proper form when doing squats and deadlifts.)

Anyone know of any solutions? It's really interfering with my work.
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post #2 of 26
11/21/10 at 3:36pm
Your hip flexors have probably tightened up from sitting so much. Stretch them out. They attach at the spine in the lower back, and can cause back pain.

--Andre
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post #3 of 26
11/21/10 at 3:38pm
Ask your doctor about it, be prepared for the worst. Could be just long bad posture or could be chronic.
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post #4 of 26
11/21/10 at 3:42pm
Take frequent breaks where you get up and walk around for a couple minutes.
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post #5 of 26
11/21/10 at 3:48pm
Invest in an Aeron chair
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post #6 of 26
11/21/10 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by v.freeman View Post
Invest in an Aeron chair

+1, a poorly fitting chair is most likely the cause.
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post #7 of 26
11/21/10 at 10:49pm
Humans are not built to "sit" anywhere. That said, I also sit all day. It is unhealthy. If you can, get one of those standing workstations. If this isn't possible or if you think you will look like a retard, make sure to exercise frequently outside of work. Squats would be ideal to build up your posture and work the hip flexors.
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post #8 of 26
11/21/10 at 10:54pm
^^^ humans are built? OP, have you tried standing and working? with a high podium or something? I've heard it really works for some people
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post #9 of 26
11/21/10 at 11:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Master-Classter View Post
^^^ humans are built?

OP, have you tried standing and working? with a high podium or something? I've heard it really works for some people

I've tried it a few times, and yes it does help quite a bit, and it keeps me energetic and focused as well. But it's impossible to do for more than a few minutes, unless your desk is specifically built for it.
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post #10 of 26
11/21/10 at 11:44pm
See a doctor, could be something like a slipped vertebrae, etc.
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post #11 of 26
11/22/10 at 12:43am
Trust me, I'm in the same situation although I do workout plenty. The best thing you can do is try to continuously sit up, stretch your legs/back whenever you get a chance. But yours seems to be more serious, I'd definitely suggest visiting a chiropractor.
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post #12 of 26
11/22/10 at 2:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cayne-Abel View Post
I've tried it a few times, and yes it does help quite a bit, and it keeps me energetic and focused as well. But it's impossible to do for more than a few minutes, unless your desk is specifically built for it.

I couldn't imagine bending over a regular height desk for any extended period but I have occasionally seen someone with a lectern or something. Might be worth a shot.
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post #13 of 26
11/22/10 at 4:00am
you should really consult a physical therapist, chiropractor, and/or alternative/holistic healer.
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post #14 of 26
11/22/10 at 4:04am
Stand-up desk with the proper adjustments is a good choice. You definitely have to be weary of muscles shortening when you sit too much.
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post #15 of 26
11/22/10 at 5:17pm
same boat :\\
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