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Post Info TOPIC: Computers and a bad back.
hako


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Computers and a bad back.
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For years and years I've had a 'bad' back for which I've visited chiropractors who have advised that it was something to do with vertebrae in my back crumbling away and quite common.

My job required me to sit bolt upright in front of either computers or radar screens sometimes for long periods - I always noticed that after about half an hour I could feel the twinges start. It's never been really bad, just irritating and fortunately I have a high pain threshold. At home I would sit bolt upright in front of my desktop computer and experience the same pain.

About 12 months ago I stopped using the desktop computer and started using a laptop whilst sitting in an easy chair, with the laptop on my lap. 

Since then absolutely no pain, until this afternoon when I thought I'd see if the old desktop still worked - it does and with 5 minutes the old knife was in the back again.

It's clear for me the problem has been posture...no more sitting bolt upright...no more desktop computer.

 

Good Luck.

 



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.
Leo


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Hi Denis,

I get two nasty 'bad backs', one from posture and the other, kidney pain :( when I have too much oxalates in my diet.

Postural, bones and muscles
The only thing that really helps me is walking and more frequent movement. Concerning the latter, find excuses to get up and move. It is about short distances even a few steps. I know too that standing is something I am not doing often enough. I am thinking about some way outside of the expensive purpose made equipment, of elevating the screen and keyboard to stand.

I am tall and most things were always too low for me. Slouching became a 'necessary' habit and one I am trying to correct and movement seems the best way (found through physiotherapy).


I'd be worried about sitting with the lappy. That sounds like a sure way to end up with a nasty neck problem as well.

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PeterD


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The modern recommendation for sitting is do not sit bolt upright. The backrest of chairs is now recommended to be 30 degrees from vertical. I have my computer chair set so i sit at that angle and things feel more comfortable.

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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
hako


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Leo wrote:

SNIP

I am tall and most things were always too low for me. Slouching became a 'necessary' habit and one I am trying to correct and movement seems the best way (found through physiotherapy).


I'd be worried about sitting with the lappy. That sounds like a sure way to end up with a nasty neck problem as well.

G'Day Leo, I'm 6'4" so have the same height problems and always remember my Mum saying "throw your shoulders back" when she caught me slouching.

Re possible neck problems I wear bifocals so to look at screen I  lift my head plus usually the TV is on so I'm constantly looking up/down - wife reckons that's not a problems as my head weighs little as is empty.hmm

I'm not sure if this is normal but when I did have the bad back, if I twisted my head left/right full travel I could hear the bones clicking and clunking BUT the last 6 months with the changed computer seating position it's absolutely silent. I sure ain't complaining.

Regards



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.
hako


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PeterD wrote:

The modern recommendation for sitting is do not sit bolt upright. The backrest of chairs is now recommended to be 30 degrees from vertical. I have my computer chair set so i sit at that angle and things feel more comfortable.

 G'Day Peter - that's the angle the chair I sit in now is whereas the bad back one was straight upright (an old wooden QLD public school chair). 

 

Regards



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.
Possum3


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Hako, Sounds like Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - Pain is a killer but I found relief by taking high dosage of Magnesium Tablets (prescribed), others swear by topical application of Magnesium infused oils - Lot on these pages about the wonders of Magnesium. see www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-magnesium.html

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jules47


The Happy Helper

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Magnesium Oil - a wonder liquid - I have found it to be an amazing thing to use on just about any pain or ache. Even a sore throat, administered on the neck - within 5 minutes soreness was gone - from what I know of using magnesium topically allows the mineral to directly access where the pain etc., is, whereas taking as pill has to go through the digestive system before it is distributed throughout the body - whereas applying the magnesium oil directly via the skin starts working immediately, the trick is - "little but often" - I have found.

Works for restless legs as well.

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jules
"Love is good for the human being!!"
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fwdoz


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I actually have a bad back as well, but this was caused by years of cricket causing disc problems (no, not shaggers back). If I recline or slouch in a chair, I get pain. The only position where I am comfortable  is bolt upright. Apart from the odd twinges I have been relatively pain free for years.

Funny how our backs react differently in that some like a reclining posture while others like me prefer bolt upright.



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Bob+Deb
steve555


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Denis, I still work some days and it's worse - at the laptop.

But, on the road I discovered something. Often at many caravan parks I can find a place to stand and work. Sure enough my back feels a lot better when standing and at the laptop.

So at home I went and bought one of those fancy standing desks from IKEA. With my monitor higher than the laptop it's perfect!

If I am doing a lot of driving and can't find a place to stand and be at the laptop it definitely flares up again. I had some good luck with a chiro in Victoria who sorted me out. If you are in the region it might be worth dropping in...... www.chattychiro.com

It's pretty rare for me to suggest any medical guy but they did wonders on my back. If only I could find someone that good in SA.

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