Solutions: Back Pain

Repetitive Stress Pains

While sitting, we think of ourselves as being at rest. However, while we are sitting at a computer we are fighting gravity to stay erect, stressing our neck and eyes to focus on the monitor, and often lifting our shoulders up to type.  This causes a lot of repetitive stress, and because there is little movement associated with sitting, lactic acid, "a product of muscle action that's usually flushed away by the blood- can build up, producing aches and sores." (Page 18. 25 Steps to Safe Computing, Don Sellers, Peachpit Press 1995.)

A good chair provides fit and adjustability.  A properly sized chair provides support without creating pressure points under the knees.  Sitting is generally a motinless activity.  Consider the stiffness that results from long periods behind the car wheel. 

Adjusting the chair throughout the day or rocking in the chair helps avoid the repetitive stress of sitting.  Small breaks to stretch and relax, and adjusting the chair alleviates the stress associated with sitting for long periods. The ability to rock in your chair improves circulation and moves lactic acid away from the muscles.  The rhythm of rocking also seems to alleviate pain. (You may remember President Kennedy, who injured his back in WWII, pictured in the Oval Office in his rocking chair.)

Lower back pain may be the result of poor chair height or lack of support.  To maintain the curve in the lower or lumbar spine the hips should be higher than the knees.  Without proper positioning or support the lower spine curve flattens, causing stress. 

Another solution to back pain can be periodic standing, because it uses different muscle groups.  Depending on your workplace and tasks, you may be able to continue working while standing.