This hobby is a real pain in the neck.

[HiroshiAirborne]

Actually the pain in my neck was an entirely different situation, I just thought it would make a cute title. However, I have been getting some lower back pain for the past couple weeks when I'm at my desk. I assume it's a combo of my posture and my chair.

My question to you folks is what kind of chair do you use at your workbench? Also, do you have any tips on keeping yourself from getting into a bad posture for long extended periods of time on projects?

- Hiroshi

 

[Dan Morton]

Hiroshi - Just a suggestion. It may not be the type of chair so much as the long periods of time you are holding your bod in one position. And if you are over 40, maybe? Try taking a break a little more often. Flex the muscles, walk around a little...

Lots of expensive 'ergonomic chairs' are sold in the US and they're very nice and comfy and well-designed (most of them). I have one myself. But most of us just need to take a short break and allow the stiff muscles to flex a bit.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Guy]

Having had major back surgery I use a jello seat cushion (used in wheelchairs) for long periods sitting at my desk.

 

[Martin Antonenko]

Hi Hiroshi!

Because I have a very sensitive back, I use a Swiss office chair from the 20s of the 20th century.

He is called "Federdreh", is swivelling and I can shift the height...:

Moreover, the seat is fitted with a spring.

The chair looks very uncomfortable - however, is highly comfortable!

Regards

 

[gordy]

Wooden chairs are indeed comfy, I have an old one from the 60's that well worn and is like an old comfortable pair of shoes

 

[Ernest]

The tip is not the chair, is to avoid to work too many hours in the same position, is better to work every day about 3 - 4 hours per day instead to work few days but several hours, also a good tip is to stop for some minutes and walk.

 

[gothicgeek]

I'm very tall and I have raised the level of my bench so that it is at chest height when I work sat down, this stops me hunching over so much .....

And I agree about short breaks to get everything moving again

mark

 

[Paul]

Have the worksurface high enough so that you do not have to bend forward.
I´ve got it so that I can rest the middle of my forearms, just forward of the elbows. I also use a rest...a thing usually used for people who do a lot of typing....see here
I don´t know if it´s got a name...:-D
Cheers
paul

 

[debrito]

The tip is not the chair, is to avoid to work too many hours in the same position, is better to work every day about 3 - 4 hours per day instead to work few days but several hours, also a good tip is to stop for some minutes and walk.

I will second Ernest on that. I have a good chair and do not stop my back and left shoulder to be stressed. You have to take a break move around .

Cheers.

 

[khorgor]

as mentioned by gothicgeek, desk height is a big one.
my posture is terrible even at 27 after years of slouching over low desks

 

[HiroshiAirborne]

Thank you all very much! I will look into raising my desk height, never thought of this as a solution and I think this will be something that will be done by summer. I will be looking into one of those jello seat cushions and then combine that with a well-made, wooden chair.

The past two days I have experimented with setting my phone alarm to go off 3 hours after I start working. I then stretch and move around a bit for at least 15 - 20 minutes before returning to the bench. This has definitely helped, even after only doing this for two days.

Again, Thank you everyone for the unique tips and advice. I knew if any group of folks could help me it would be you all!

- Hiroshi

 

[Range Rat]

I tend to sit as low as possible to my desk/work area, saves all that bending.

 

[Gellso]

Yoga!
The inverted V position is one of the best positons you can do. look up the cobra as well for posture. Try some wieght training also to strengthen your lower back.