long computer use posture

[metulburr]

I have been having issues sitting at the computer for extended periods of time. Maybe i am getting older . Whenever i sit at the computer for 15-20 minutes my back aches and feels like someone is pushing my back forward. I use to be able to sit here for hours, or even days. It really has put a hampering on anything programming wise, and makes we wonder about doing a computer job at all. I dont think i could go into this field anymore thinking that i would have to sit even longer at such positions.

I know there is considered a proper position to sit, but how many of us really do that? My normal posture is to lean forward slightly. This is improper, but i cant sit straight up, its very uncomfortable. I often will have to go lay down on a couch to recover every so often if sitting at the computer for long periods. The only time i can ever handle long period is to ditch the chair completely. I connect to the TV, and use a recliner with a wireless keyboard and mouse.

What do other programmers do? Have you noticed a change as you get older? Does proper posture actually help and does anyone actually sit like a straight vertical board that is suppose to be ergonomically friendly? IF so do you slump back into your old posture?

[ichabod801]

I don't know if I have proper posture, but I noticed a huge change switching chairs. I used to work with a random chair I got at Sam's Club. Cushions and arm rests, but nothing adjustable at all. And being tall, that my legs could not get the recommended right angle bend. More and more I was noticing back pain while programming. I finally went out and paid the dough for a nice office chair. I got a fully adjustable one with a mesh back and seat. Now that I'm retired I sit in it all day long, no problems.

Another thing I believe is that back pain is often because your back is weak. I had a lot less back pain when I started actually exercising, especially upper body weight training. And I'm not talking about becoming a body building, I'm just talking about exercising the muscles.

[Larz60+]

Wait 40 years, it goes away.

[buran]

As ichabod suggested the pain in the back may be remedied by more ergonomic chair with some support at the back.

[metulburr]

ive had the same chair for 8 years. But ive only the past year or so noticed a difference. Its a steel chair with cushions that i switched to after going through a number of broken office chairs.

[Larz60+]

In my humble opinion, Leather is best and worth the cost.

[micseydel]

ive had the same chair for 8 years. But ive only the past year or so noticed a difference.

Poor ergonomics take time to set in. You might not notice a constant slight strain, but after doing it for years you'll start feeling these kinds of effects.

[pcsailor]

Stand up desk is the key (to me).
Stand up desk, gel pad to stand on, and Gaiam chair.
I've been using that chair for about 25 years now.
And I stand up more then I sit.
Just my 2 cents.
Phil

[wavic]

A little more money for a good ergonomic chair and a desk with adjustable height to spare your hands and shoulders. Exercises. I don't know what else could be helpful. Painkillers are not an option.

[pcsailor]

Painkillers are not an option.

How about this?
CBD