Desk Work Is Wrecking Backs and Hips
Individuals working remotely, particularly in desk-based roles, are experiencing significant physical pain and discomfort due to prolonged sitting and repetitive motions. This pain manifests in various ways, including back pain, hip pain, and musculoskeletal issues, often exacerbated by pre-existing conditions or improper posture. Finding supportive and ergonomic solutions is a priority for these individuals.
SOURCES (60)
“Sit/stand desk and walking pad. Invest in a proper chair, make sure your ergonomics are good. My sit/stand desk was just a little too high for my chair, so I swapped the chair casters for casters with rollerblade style wheels. Great chair upgrade because the…”
A proper ergonomic chair. And time off the day after a late call lol
“After a rough on-call week, I'm realizing my setup is not built for marathon sessions. Wrists, neck, lower back — all taking a beating. What have you added to your workstation that actually helps? Wrist rests, monitor risers, anti-fatigue mats, lumbar cushions? submitted by /u/MaximumBee2148 [link] [comments]”
“I’m looking for a good-quality walking pad for home, preferably very quiet/silent since I’ll be using it while working or studying. Any brands/models you’ve been happy with? Thanks! 😊 submitted by /u/Residency_Rover_Pro [link] [comments]”
“I have lordosis. Used to have chronic low back pain. Did chiro for 2 years and improved a lot. I am half way thru Polestar signs off. I noticed, the remaining moves are either with extension or flexion including lumbar area. Having failed on Trapeze Roll Down, it makes me questions how do I pass this course. Had the conversation with my chiropractor yesterday. He said, not every bodies could have that curl nor it's good for everyone. Every bodies are different. And.. he also showed me the sp”
“I have a 60-something woman in my group who I see 2x/week when she's not traveling for weeks. She also has osteoporosis and is concerned about it. Her left hip is about 3" higher than her right, and her right shoulder is damaged from a fall decades ago. It's probably related. Non-trained people make comments about her gait; it's really bad. Her right scapula does not move regardless of warm-ups, cues, or the exercise, so she has pain doing things like single-arm rows. She does n”
“The biggest difference for me is not “stretch more”, it’s avoiding long static blocks. Sitting, standing, and even “good posture” can all become a problem if you stay there too long. I’d try a simple experiment for a few days: every 45-60 minutes, change state for 2-3 minutes. Walk, stand, lie down briefly, or do one gentle mobility drill. Then note if the pain shows up later, sooner, or less intensely. If it keeps coming back no matter what, that’s useful information too, because it means the i”
“I swear by my tri-core "ergonomic" "cervical support" pillow, full size, firm, available at a number of online retailers, including the manufacturer itself. it lacks fancy nursing gel and it is hardly portable--I would not pack it into any luggage--but I miss it dearly when I am not at home!”
“I have a bad back and hypermobile joints. I usually lay on my stomach to decompress my back when it’s straining and do some of my favorite stretches. I’m four months pregnant with baby #2 and already have a visible bump. I’m traveling and my back hurts and I was lamenting to my husband that I can’t stretch like I want to. Totally forgot the pillow trick until hubby mentioned it from last time. Put two (or more) sturdy pillows on a bed at roughly boob and pelvis height. Lay with the bump in the m”
“Hey yall. I like to play video games at my desk but it is difficult to sit for prolonged periods of time in my current chair. What’s a good chair you guys have found? submitted by /u/xsailorjessx [link] [comments]”
“Physical boundaries are a big thing for me with WFM. I have “an office” in my living room. It is a big L shaped sit and stand. When I walk around and go to my desk when I am at work. When I’m in my recliner I’m at home. It really helps me keep things separate. I also have a work phone and a personal phone. My work phone doesn’t come with me to my recliner. (I mean it does sometimes, but usually not). I think it just takes discipline and boundaries. You also have to train others at home these bou”
“What portion of you all use a laptop versus a desktop and why? Ever since I got a laptop I've had recurring neck pain and issues from not being strict with desk setups and using laptops here and there instead of at a table. There is no good way to use a laptop without a stand and external peripherals. It makes sense for students and traveling professionals but not really for most people I think. Thinking I will go back to a full desktop now. Bonus: Mac or PC or GNU/Linux or BSD.”
“TLDR: I am looking for a sedentary job with only active job history due to a hip/back injury and need ideas because I have none. As the title says I need ideas because I am lost. I am 21F with a bad hip/back from a car accident 4 years ago that makes it very painful to stand in one place long or be on my feet for a full 8-hour shift. I love very active jobs and have tried hard to stay in the sales and cashier industry, but I have come to terms that I can't keep hurting myself for a job. I ha”
“I have an office job and stare at my computer a lot. About three weeks ago I have started working out. I have lots of tension up and down my neck and shoulders. Also doesn't help when I drive the tension from not moving ends up compounding. I typically try to schedule a 90 minute massage every month. Does it maybe make more since to do one hour blocks twice a month instead of just once a month? I typically get a full body during the 90 minute session. Just looking for unbiase opinions. I'”
“Gaming chairs tend to look supportive but the flat seat and fixed bolsters are rough for 8 hour days. Check used office liquidation listings for a Steelcase Leap v2, Steelcase Amia, Haworth Zody, or HON Ignition 2.0. The big things to check are adjustable lumbar, seat depth, and arm height, plus whether the seat pan is still firm. A used Leap or Amia in the 250 to 400 range is usually a much better buy than a new budget gaming chair.”
“Hello all☺️. I am wondering if anybody has good recommendations for an electric mop. I have a spinal deformity that doesn’t allow me to bend and scrub the floors much anymore without being in excruciating pain. I have an apartment with LVP and just the living room kitchen hallways and bathrooms have it, so maybe 1000sq of space ? I would like something that is pretty good at getting general grime and cooking mess as I cook a lot. I have a roomba so one that vacuums too is not required. I’d like”
“Markus is the move; that 10 year warranty beats suffering in a Titan Evo that kills your back.”
“SecretLab chairs are nice but yes, they are a bit firm. Herman Millers are worth their money and if you can afford it, I encourage it. Anything else is only going to be second at best.”
“I have a disability that comes with chronic pain especially with my sacrum. I’ve tried about a dozen different chairs trying to find one that minimizes the impact of that when working at a desk all day. I saw minimal difference between them. The only thing that ever actually made a difference was the Purple chair cushion (yes the mattress brand). That thing has done WONDERS for my pain levels. I used to consciously think about how much my bum and back hurt ALL DAY and was looking for excuses to”
“My leg pain gotten better but it seems like my back has gotten worse. Idk if it’s because my period is about to start or if I have scoliosis or sciatica. Should I ask my PT if I should get X-rays done to rule it out? submitted by /u/Round-Artichoke-5255 [link] [comments]”
“I have a physical disability that affects my shoulders/hips and use a power chair. I had a phone interview and video interview at a particular company near me and now they want me to come in for an in person interview. I’m really excited but debating - do I let them know in advance of arriving or just show up? I already looked up the place and it’s accessible as far as I can tell. I feel as though my disability isn’t relevant to the job at this point and me saying something would be unnecessary.”
“Any tips on how to stop bunching up so much in my back??? I can’t seem to lift my shoulders or head. TIA submitted by /u/basedandAoEpilled [link] [comments]”
“How about joining a virtual coworking club? They exist! You can sign up for sessions or go and see if anyone is there. Body doubling can be massively effective in keeping you focused”
“Chair ! chair ! chair ! and a sit-stand desk! don’t blow the budget on specs you won’t notice. And yes, a good dock + cable management will make the whole setup feel 10 times nicer”
“Gaming chairs are basically race car seats for people doing spreadsheets, so yeah, your butt is filing a complaint. Look for a used Steelcase Leap v2, Amia, or Haworth Zody from an office liquidator or Facebook Marketplace; they often land around $200 to $400 and beat most new budget chairs. If you need new, Branch Ergonomic or Staples Hyken are decent, but used office chairs are usually the better value.”
“are we squeezing our butt cheeks in these poses to protect the low spine? or are our glutes supposed to be relaxedish while feet/shins/thighs drive into the floor? just asking because i feel like ive been given contradicting ques now… submitted by /u/PeachyPineappleB [link] [comments]”
“Any suggestions on how to help with my back... Doing longer hours lately then usual... 10 is a short day... and my back is hunching from the hours bent over the counter and stove... Massage therapy and chiro are already in the mix.. But not helping enough submitted by /u/dedevil989 [link] [comments]”
“I use the same keyboard and mouse. I’ve had carpel tunnel surgery before. I have tried other keyboards and mice and none feel as comfortable as these.”
“I started with a sit stand desk then bought an affordable drafting stool that put me at the same level as standing. No expensive executive chair, no slouching, no longer need to adjust the desk. Usually sit for 40 minutes then stand for 20. YMMV.”
“Las gamer suelen verse cómodas pero para 8 horas de trabajo muchas acaban siendo una tortura. Yo miraría sillas de oficina usadas tipo Steelcase Leap, Amia o Haworth Zody, suelen salir bastante más baratas que una Herman Miller y están hechas para estar sentado muchas horas. Si quieres algo nuevo y más accesible, la IKEA Markus o la Sihoo M57 también aparecen mucho en recomendaciones, pero probarla antes cambia mucho la decisión.”
“For the mouse and keyboard, I'd specifically look into ergonomic ones since you're having wrist/hand issues.”
“Missing a good chair, doesn't need to be flashy with a zillion functions, but proper ergo settings. There's keyboard out there that are cross compatible, again look for options that work best for your hands and fingers. Might me personal but I always preferred two monitors to my laptop and leaving it shut. Allowed me to have everything on the same plane, with the same resolution and refresh rates. As for wie management it's a maybe depending on your office set up and locations of plu”
“Think also about a good chair and desk, maybe even a desk you can change heights”
“I realise this isn’t a recommendation for a chair but maybe if you had some more funds to play around with you could find yourself something comfy :)”
“I didn’t read through my benefits for a couple months until I realised this, but checking if your company has some sort of policy where they give you a voucher to put towards home equipment? Turns out we have a £250 one-time voucher to put towards any home equipment (chair, desk, monitor etc) after we passed probation!”
“之前用開Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 多年, 對手指痛有很大的幫助及多年後已不痛了, 未用前痛到手揸筷子都痛那時要改用义子用膳, 大牌子用多了值得的, 計起來比看醫生便宜了.”
“Recently got a ProtoArc, it was under $200 with the auto-coupon applied, free shipping. Got sick of all those moulded seats out there that bottom out after a few hours. The cushion is pretty firm but thick. Lumbar support is definitely there but I needed it. Build quality is really good. Easy instructions. Been a bit over a month now of over 8 hours daily use and my back isn't yelling at me.”
“I got the Huuger mesh chair off Amazon for $130. I like it better than the Herman Millers we have at the office.”
“My 4 year old Steelcase Leap was $100 on marketplace and looks and feels like new. Bought 4 others that were older and had been unprofessionally recovered for $200 total. Now the kids have Leaps too. Love Steelcase and Herman Miller options and can definitely find marketplace deals when diligent.”
“I've been using something similar to a "Marsail Ergonomic Office Chair with Lumbar Support" - foam seat, mesh back, flip up arms Works relatively well. If I had my preference, I'd get a custom fit BODYBILT chair - if you have a sales rep in your area, they'll make one to measure. Anywhere from $600 to $1500 depending on options.”
Used Herman miller from Facebook marketplace. I think I paid like $250
Just got the lazy boy manager chair from Costco and so far I love it
Find a used standing desk and a walking pad. Your back & future self will thank you!
“Look for spots to try out lots of chairs. It's pretty personal. I have a steelcase (gesture, I think?) that I bought used/refurbished for <$500. It was absolutely worth the money for something I sit in daily to ensure I have no pain and an ergonomic setup.”
“Check your area for places that resell used office furniture. When banks and corporate employers downsize or redecorate they offload a large amount of some really good stuff to these places. I got a Herman Miller Aeron for $400 10 years ago and it’s still awesome!”
“nice, my gluteus maximus has moved from ass to my calf, i really need to stand more i guess.”
“Herman Miller Embody, runner up Herman Miller Aeron. Buy once and stop replacing crappy cheap chairs. Edit: Find one used to save the cash.”
There was an awesome gaming chair you could get from Costco for like $100
“The Ergotron WorkFit-TL is probably the closest match for the low-profile part, since it sits much flatter than the Vari/Flexispot style risers when lowered. I have had one for about 4 years and the lift mechanism still feels solid, but it is heavy, so measure your desk depth before ordering. I bought mine through Amazon, and I have also seen it at Staples/Office Depot. For pairing with a walking pad, I would avoid anything with a bouncy keyboard tray because typing while walking makes wobble wa”
“Hey there...I feel your pain. Check out some used office furniture stores in your hood. I got.a herman miller desk for 399. My chair is a pretty decent chair (forgot.brand name) for 399. There are a ton of businesses making changes and just want to get rid of their stuff (in my case it was wal-mart). You can get GREAT stuff at about a quarter.of new pricd”
“Unpopular opinion, I have both Sam’s Club and Costco memberships mainly because their return policies give me peace of mind. I bought the La-Z-Boy Big & Tall executive chair even though I’m neither big nor tall...I just put office chairs through hell with 12+ hour workdays It’s not a Herman Miller, but my legs and lower body finally feel properly supported, my circulation issues improved, and my back pain is basically gone. It also has a 10 year warranty. I chose the color that seemed to hav”