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Painful back after sitting at desk!

10 replies

HighlandsButterfly · 01/01/2023 17:45

I have a bulging disk in my lower back (diagnosed over a year ago) and recently I've started getting extremely painful 'spasms' in the area. I've worked out it is MUCH worse after I've been sitting at my desk working. I sit on a regular dining-type wooden chair.
Please can anyone recommend a miracle chair that would help my posture and alleviate these awful spasms?
(I've already had medication off and on but really want to also adjust my lifestyle if necessary, such as a new chair!)
Thank you Flowers

OP posts:
BarbaraofSeville · 01/01/2023 17:51

You need a proper 'computer' chair that it correctly adjusted as per a DSE assessment. If you are employed, your employer is responsible for providing suitable equipment. You should also take regular breaks and do some stretches/walk around throughout the day.

www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/assessment.htm

At the start of the pandemic when we were all told to work at home, I spent the first couple of weeks working on our kitchen island using a bar stool. I felt really comfortable, but after a couple of weeks, I was unable to stand up straight and could hardly walk. By then, we realised that COVID wasn't going away any time soon, so I went to get my full set up from work and set up a desk properly. I was also able to take a few days off work so I wasn't chained to a desk for several hours a day and after a few days I was back to normal.

PaperBagsAreUselessInRain · 01/01/2023 17:55

I bought a back support that you put around the chair and it was far better - similar to this one

FORTEM Chair Cushion, Seat Cushion for Office Chair, Lumbar Support Pillow for Chair, Car Seat Cushion, Back Support Memory Foam Pillow Washable Cover (Black) amzn.eu/d/9oh5axH

CrunchyCarrot · 01/01/2023 17:59

I have chronic lower back problems (and yes, back spasms are incredibly painful). I use a D-shaped back cushion, it straps onto a chair and you place it in the small of your back to keep your posture right.

www.amazon.co.uk/Supportiback%C2%AE-Posture-Therapy-D-Shaped-Cushion/dp/B00D4NZPKU/ref=sr_1_10?crid=300ZNTK5C19HU&keywords=mckenzie+back+roll&qid=1672595926&sprefix=mckenzie+back+roll%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-10

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Claudia84 · 01/01/2023 18:06

If you're prepared to spend a lot of money on a chair have you looked into a standing desk instead? I suffer from lower back pain and sciatica and I find anything that encourages me to get up and move is good. The special chairs didn't make a difference as I just sat for longer. Wriggling and moving is good!

Also make sure if you're using a laptop that you have it raised up to lengthen your spine and a separate keyboard.

Countrywellies · 01/01/2023 18:06

agree - a chair with lumbar support is necessary and also ensure your screen is at the right height in front of your eyeline so you are not hunching over to work.

PenanceAdair · 01/01/2023 18:10

You need a proper office chair with lumbar support; or some of these gaming chairs do have the best seating position specifically built for long hours of gaming.

Failing that, a good lumbar support aid or cushion behind your back for support.

Turmerictolly · 01/01/2023 18:28

.

HighlandsButterfly · 01/01/2023 18:56

Thank you so much!!! Lots of ideas.
I will definitely try and get a lumbar support for my chair. I work partly from home and it's here I get the problems.
It's breath-taking how painful the spasms are. I verge between welling up with tears and shouting FUCK loudly Blush

OP posts:
PenanceAdair · 01/01/2023 19:04

Sorry to hear that OP. You can also try pain medication for relief (if you'd like to). Ibuprofen should help or you can speak to your GP for stronger pain relief if it's become unbearable.

HighlandsButterfly · 01/01/2023 19:46

PenanceAdair · 01/01/2023 19:04

Sorry to hear that OP. You can also try pain medication for relief (if you'd like to). Ibuprofen should help or you can speak to your GP for stronger pain relief if it's become unbearable.

I've had a medley of meds over the last year - Naproxen, cortisone, muscle relaxants...I suspect the next step is a cortisone injection into the actual area but in the meantime I'm trying to help in other ways. At the moment it's generally ok 🤞🏻 but sitting at my desk sets off the spasms...
Looking at the special chair cushions now!
Thoughts to anyone else with back issues - such a pain (literally).

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