I broke down and bought a Steelcase office chair. Got it at a second hand office furniture place for $150. New they are about $300. Best chair purchase ever. Lots of adjustments.
If your knees are in good shape, you might look into a "knee chair." I had one for years and never had a back problem. The chair forces you into good posture and doesn't hurt.
Its the worst! There are Workmans' back braces from a hardware store. But unfortunately you may have to avoid sitting at a desktop for a month or more to heal up. The problem might not resolve otherwise, and even that might not really do it. Damn aging... An option is also to get a laptop and then you can use a recliner or even work horizontally on a couch.
FredrickLoc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area
bobmcculloch wrote:
What ever chair you get , and while your looking , get up and walk around every 20 minuets, will help a lot , and not just your back. One of the things working in an office taught us.
I invested in a "wobble chair" for about $75 U.S. It has no back, is height adjustable and the seat has an inflatable cushion. When you sit on it, your hips are kept in motion as you make small adjustments to your position. I have degenerative disk disease, and some of you probably know how much fun that can be! Before I got this chair, I was using a reasonable "ergonomic" office chair. My feet and legs were swelling from prolonged sitting. Since I bought this chair, no more leg and foot swelling and my back is giving me less trouble. I am still thinking of getting a height-adjustable adapter for my desk. but his has been a game changer for me. Not a plug, but I got it at Staples. Go try one in the store.
I invested in a "wobble chair" for about... (show quote)
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll go check those out. I was also considering a kneeling stool also.
Its the worst! There are Workmans' back braces from a hardware store. But unfortunately you may have to avoid sitting at a desktop for a month or more to heal up. The problem might not resolve otherwise, and even that might not really do it. Damn aging... An option is also to get a laptop and then you can use a recliner or even work horizontally on a couch.
My job keeps me on my feet and walking much of the day and once I loosen up I’m pretty good with that. It’s when I sit for long periods my back locks up. I also have degenerative disk disease.
If you go into a place like Office Depot, you will find many of the chairs have a rating tag, that indicates the time when in theory you may be comfortable sitting. Obviously you would want the longest or highest possible comfort rating. You might also consider an additional cushion to support the small or your back. I used to use one years ago when flying a small plane. I now keep it in my car. Depending on exactly what your back problem is a cervical collar or some other form of neck support may help. I use one of those wrap around travel neck pillows when I drive.
I went through all of that from changing wallet position to different chairs and beds and all may have worked some but none were perfect. At about age 20 I did suffer a back injury which I believe caused most of my problems. I visited MDS, Chiropractors, and others to little relief, but one chiropractor helped more than anyone else. Now at 93 years of age I am using a pain clinic with spinal injections about once a year and a hydrocodone acetamin every 8 hours. They keep me going with less pain.