Office chair for shoulder pain
Discussion
Have been using a really awful chair so most of the time I'm hunched forward over my keyboard with no support. It's got to the stage where my shoulder blades are in agony if I have to spend a long time typing. Currently thinking about getting an Aeron with front/rear tilt but not sure if this will in fact help. Wondering if anyone had been in a similar situation? Did getting a new chair help?
ETA: Realised the title might be slight confusing...Just to be clear I'm not asking for a chair that will give me shoulder pain
ETA: Realised the title might be slight confusing...Just to be clear I'm not asking for a chair that will give me shoulder pain
You might be better off changing the position of your screen and keyboard - if you're hunched over a keyboard for hours on end, your posture could be all wrong and not even a Herman Miller will solve it
If you're using a laptop, get an external keyboard and raise the laptop screen to eye level
Also - if you're using a very recent version of Word, try dictation as a method to get the bulk of the words on screen, and then edit / format afterwards.
If you're using a laptop, get an external keyboard and raise the laptop screen to eye level
Also - if you're using a very recent version of Word, try dictation as a method to get the bulk of the words on screen, and then edit / format afterwards.
Thanks for the suggestions guys 
I'm using a desktop with a monitors on adjustable arms. So that shouldn't be a problem. The problem might be me as I'm a bit tall and lanky
I probably do have pretty bad posture.
I've been trying a bit of dictation using Dragon which is helping but I'm finding it still takes a lot of proof reading to fix the mistakes, the total amount of time I'm hunched over the keyboard isn't hugely different. Also there's quite a lot of stuff I do for which I can use Dragon.
I'd hate to splash out on an Aeron to find it's made no difference. Although I suppose at least I'd know it wasn't the chair.
Heard good thing about Marcus so will check that out at ikea too.
I'm using a desktop with a monitors on adjustable arms. So that shouldn't be a problem. The problem might be me as I'm a bit tall and lanky
I probably do have pretty bad posture.
I've been trying a bit of dictation using Dragon which is helping but I'm finding it still takes a lot of proof reading to fix the mistakes, the total amount of time I'm hunched over the keyboard isn't hugely different. Also there's quite a lot of stuff I do for which I can use Dragon.
I'd hate to splash out on an Aeron to find it's made no difference. Although I suppose at least I'd know it wasn't the chair.
Heard good thing about Marcus so will check that out at ikea too.
bristoltype603 said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys
I'm using a desktop with a monitors on adjustable arms. So that shouldn't be a problem. The problem might be me as I'm a bit tall and lanky
I probably do have pretty bad posture.
I've been trying a bit of dictation using Dragon which is helping but I'm finding it still takes a lot of proof reading to fix the mistakes, the total amount of time I'm hunched over the keyboard isn't hugely different. Also there's quite a lot of stuff I do for which I can use Dragon.
I'd hate to splash out on an Aeron to find it's made no difference. Although I suppose at least I'd know it wasn't the chair.
Heard good thing about Marcus so will check that out at ikea too.
I've had the same problem. My physio said that should pain is not normally down to the chair and often down to the likes of carpel tunnel syndrome. I was told to lean back in my chair and it seemed to work.I'm using a desktop with a monitors on adjustable arms. So that shouldn't be a problem. The problem might be me as I'm a bit tall and lanky
I probably do have pretty bad posture.
I've been trying a bit of dictation using Dragon which is helping but I'm finding it still takes a lot of proof reading to fix the mistakes, the total amount of time I'm hunched over the keyboard isn't hugely different. Also there's quite a lot of stuff I do for which I can use Dragon.
I'd hate to splash out on an Aeron to find it's made no difference. Although I suppose at least I'd know it wasn't the chair.
Heard good thing about Marcus so will check that out at ikea too.
I sit back, support my forearms and it puts off the coming of the pain but does not stop it. I too have tried, and am using, Dragon NS. I find that after an hour's use, I have no back/shoulder pain. That's a significant improvement to typing on a keyboard. I used to limit myself to 20 mins with a 20 min break. Stick with DNS and get it to assess your docs and emails. It improves the accuracy.
I use a wrist support. Actesso, but the company has changed it a bit since I bought mine, some 5 years ago. Used when typing or using certain software, like Blender, or Photoshop, it's magic. Also, I use a tablet, Huion, and it slides nicely over that.
I use a logi trackball with my left hand and I've recently bought a programmable keypad, XP-Pen, for my right.
The main problem is that I spend hours at my desktop every day. The real solution is not to.
Derek Smith said:
I've had the same problem. My physio said that should pain is not normally down to the chair and often down to the likes of carpel tunnel syndrome. I was told to lean back in my chair and it seemed to work.
I sit back, support my forearms and it puts off the coming of the pain but does not stop it. I too have tried, and am using, Dragon NS. I find that after an hour's use, I have no back/shoulder pain. That's a significant improvement to typing on a keyboard. I used to limit myself to 20 mins with a 20 min break. Stick with DNS and get it to assess your docs and emails. It improves the accuracy.
I use a wrist support. Actesso, but the company has changed it a bit since I bought mine, some 5 years ago. Used when typing or using certain software, like Blender, or Photoshop, it's magic. Also, I use a tablet, Huion, and it slides nicely over that.
I use a logi trackball with my left hand and I've recently bought a programmable keypad, XP-Pen, for my right.
The main problem is that I spend hours at my desktop every day. The real solution is not to.
Yes this sounds really similar to me. I really ought to have a couple of sessions with the physio. I've absolutely no excuse I've just been putting it off I sit back, support my forearms and it puts off the coming of the pain but does not stop it. I too have tried, and am using, Dragon NS. I find that after an hour's use, I have no back/shoulder pain. That's a significant improvement to typing on a keyboard. I used to limit myself to 20 mins with a 20 min break. Stick with DNS and get it to assess your docs and emails. It improves the accuracy.
I use a wrist support. Actesso, but the company has changed it a bit since I bought mine, some 5 years ago. Used when typing or using certain software, like Blender, or Photoshop, it's magic. Also, I use a tablet, Huion, and it slides nicely over that.
I use a logi trackball with my left hand and I've recently bought a programmable keypad, XP-Pen, for my right.
The main problem is that I spend hours at my desktop every day. The real solution is not to.
It never occured to me that it could be my wrist so will check out the Actesso. The trackball could be a thing also. The pain is worse on my right (i.e. mouse) side.
Sadly no real choice but to spend hours at the desktop.
Have you tried a standing desk?
I used to have terrible neck pain, it was really very bad. It was caused by me slouching forward and then tilting me head back.
I now have a kneeling chair. You have to sit upright, otherwise you'll fall off.
All your weight is still supported by your arse, and you don;t actually put any pressure on your knees. Your calves rest on the lower part of the chair, but that's just to stop of sliding off.
After a few weeks all the pain went and it's never returned. I've been sing one for 5 years now and I sit at my desk 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I now have a kneeling chair. You have to sit upright, otherwise you'll fall off.
All your weight is still supported by your arse, and you don;t actually put any pressure on your knees. Your calves rest on the lower part of the chair, but that's just to stop of sliding off.
After a few weeks all the pain went and it's never returned. I've been sing one for 5 years now and I sit at my desk 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I would ignore new ones and look at used or refurbished ones.
Personally I prefer the Steelcase chairs to the Miller ones.
I have a Steelcase Please 2 at home and use a Leap 2 in the office. I’d like to try a Gesture at some point.
Really good chairs, I paid £60 for the Please 2 which had been lightly used in another home office.
Personally I prefer the Steelcase chairs to the Miller ones.
I have a Steelcase Please 2 at home and use a Leap 2 in the office. I’d like to try a Gesture at some point.
Really good chairs, I paid £60 for the Please 2 which had been lightly used in another home office.
bristoltype603 said:
Yes this sounds really similar to me. I really ought to have a couple of sessions with the physio. I've absolutely no excuse I've just been putting it off
It never occured to me that it could be my wrist so will check out the Actesso. The trackball could be a thing also. The pain is worse on my right (i.e. mouse) side.
Sadly no real choice but to spend hours at the desktop.
Have you tried a standing desk?
Yes. Standing crippled my lower back. I've tried a kneeling chair. We use it as steps now.It never occured to me that it could be my wrist so will check out the Actesso. The trackball could be a thing also. The pain is worse on my right (i.e. mouse) side.
Sadly no real choice but to spend hours at the desktop.
Have you tried a standing desk?
I went to a sports physio. She was part time NHS. No messing around. There was one session of tests, an X-ray organised, and then I was told what was up with me.
In a surreal chat, she asked me if I cycled - 180-250 miles per week. Then she asked if I went off road - about 80% of the time. Did my bike have a short top tube - I picked it especially. And why didn't I go for rear suspension - rhetorical really as the only reason was being macho. It was done, I think, to generate confidence in her ability, and it worked. I've got, or rather had then, cyclist thighs, but there was no clues to the rest.
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions. After the first two sessions, of a total of four, with the physio, and following her instructions - demands in fact, as she was used to dealing with rugby players - I woke up one morning after a whole night's sleep. I felt like crying.
It's a bit of a regime - gentle but regular exercise, such as walking, with some floor exercise and a few weights. Nothing heavy, just dumbbells. She was very no-nonsense, and didn't spare me from the realities.
Sports physios are used to RSI evidently. I had instructions as to how to use painkillers, supports and stuff. But the real problem is that all the different mice, trackballs, pads, chairs and such only defer the problems.
snuffy said:
Derek Smith said:
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions.
Chiropodist ? Did they sort your feet out ?Chiropractor of course. They've got £360 of mine that I could have used for something useful.
gregs656 said:
I would ignore new ones and look at used or refurbished ones.
Personally I prefer the Steelcase chairs to the Miller ones.
I have a Steelcase Please 2 at home and use a Leap 2 in the office. I’d like to try a Gesture at some point.
Really good chairs, I paid £60 for the Please 2 which had been lightly used in another home office.
During the early days of lockdown I found a local office equipment supplier that had a used Stealcase Please in stock. I thought I got it for a good price at £125 - £60 was an absolute bargain. At 6'1, the front / back adjustment of the seat base is something I appreciate to have more support for the upper leg.Personally I prefer the Steelcase chairs to the Miller ones.
I have a Steelcase Please 2 at home and use a Leap 2 in the office. I’d like to try a Gesture at some point.
Really good chairs, I paid £60 for the Please 2 which had been lightly used in another home office.
Steelcase have a good short video which walks through the adjustments available on the Please:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=199&am...
Derek Smith said:
Yes. Standing crippled my lower back. I've tried a kneeling chair. We use it as steps now.
I went to a sports physio. She was part time NHS. No messing around. There was one session of tests, an X-ray organised, and then I was told what was up with me.
In a surreal chat, she asked me if I cycled - 180-250 miles per week. Then she asked if I went off road - about 80% of the time. Did my bike have a short top tube - I picked it especially. And why didn't I go for rear suspension - rhetorical really as the only reason was being macho. It was done, I think, to generate confidence in her ability, and it worked. I've got, or rather had then, cyclist thighs, but there was no clues to the rest.
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions. After the first two sessions, of a total of four, with the physio, and following her instructions - demands in fact, as she was used to dealing with rugby players - I woke up one morning after a whole night's sleep. I felt like crying.
It's a bit of a regime - gentle but regular exercise, such as walking, with some floor exercise and a few weights. Nothing heavy, just dumbbells. She was very no-nonsense, and didn't spare me from the realities.
Sports physios are used to RSI evidently. I had instructions as to how to use painkillers, supports and stuff. But the real problem is that all the different mice, trackballs, pads, chairs and such only defer the problems.
This is some impressive diagnostic skills. I went to a sports physio. She was part time NHS. No messing around. There was one session of tests, an X-ray organised, and then I was told what was up with me.
In a surreal chat, she asked me if I cycled - 180-250 miles per week. Then she asked if I went off road - about 80% of the time. Did my bike have a short top tube - I picked it especially. And why didn't I go for rear suspension - rhetorical really as the only reason was being macho. It was done, I think, to generate confidence in her ability, and it worked. I've got, or rather had then, cyclist thighs, but there was no clues to the rest.
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions. After the first two sessions, of a total of four, with the physio, and following her instructions - demands in fact, as she was used to dealing with rugby players - I woke up one morning after a whole night's sleep. I felt like crying.
It's a bit of a regime - gentle but regular exercise, such as walking, with some floor exercise and a few weights. Nothing heavy, just dumbbells. She was very no-nonsense, and didn't spare me from the realities.
Sports physios are used to RSI evidently. I had instructions as to how to use painkillers, supports and stuff. But the real problem is that all the different mice, trackballs, pads, chairs and such only defer the problems.
Decided today to make an appointment with the physio and hold off on buying the chair until I get a better idea of what the problem is.
I have an electric height adjustable desk at work, desk height makes a big difference.
I used to work in the office furniture industry and would often sell chairs and desks to folk with back problems. Herman Miller chairs were easy to sell to anyone with the £££.
Move your chair away from your desk and do the following...
Adjust your chair height so you have your thighs parallel to the floor when your feet are flat to the floor.
Sit upright.
Bring your hands out in front of you as if your typing on a keyboard, have your forearms parallel to the floor if possible.
Now move yourself forward to your desk and adopt the same position.
If your keyboard isn't directly under your finger tips then your desk height needs adjusting.
Try not to lean forwards when sat.
Look straight ahead and adjust your monitor so it's in line with your eyes, so you're not tilting your head up or down.
I use a mouse wrist puk like the one below, with your wrist on the puk you can gide it around your desk as you move your mouse, really good..
I used to work in the office furniture industry and would often sell chairs and desks to folk with back problems. Herman Miller chairs were easy to sell to anyone with the £££.
Move your chair away from your desk and do the following...
Adjust your chair height so you have your thighs parallel to the floor when your feet are flat to the floor.
Sit upright.
Bring your hands out in front of you as if your typing on a keyboard, have your forearms parallel to the floor if possible.
Now move yourself forward to your desk and adopt the same position.
If your keyboard isn't directly under your finger tips then your desk height needs adjusting.
Try not to lean forwards when sat.
Look straight ahead and adjust your monitor so it's in line with your eyes, so you're not tilting your head up or down.
I use a mouse wrist puk like the one below, with your wrist on the puk you can gide it around your desk as you move your mouse, really good..
Edited by LeadFarmer on Wednesday 1st July 11:21
bristoltype603 said:
Derek Smith said:
Yes. Standing crippled my lower back. I've tried a kneeling chair. We use it as steps now.
I went to a sports physio. She was part time NHS. No messing around. There was one session of tests, an X-ray organised, and then I was told what was up with me.
In a surreal chat, she asked me if I cycled - 180-250 miles per week. Then she asked if I went off road - about 80% of the time. Did my bike have a short top tube - I picked it especially. And why didn't I go for rear suspension - rhetorical really as the only reason was being macho. It was done, I think, to generate confidence in her ability, and it worked. I've got, or rather had then, cyclist thighs, but there was no clues to the rest.
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions. After the first two sessions, of a total of four, with the physio, and following her instructions - demands in fact, as she was used to dealing with rugby players - I woke up one morning after a whole night's sleep. I felt like crying.
It's a bit of a regime - gentle but regular exercise, such as walking, with some floor exercise and a few weights. Nothing heavy, just dumbbells. She was very no-nonsense, and didn't spare me from the realities.
Sports physios are used to RSI evidently. I had instructions as to how to use painkillers, supports and stuff. But the real problem is that all the different mice, trackballs, pads, chairs and such only defer the problems.
This is some impressive diagnostic skills. I went to a sports physio. She was part time NHS. No messing around. There was one session of tests, an X-ray organised, and then I was told what was up with me.
In a surreal chat, she asked me if I cycled - 180-250 miles per week. Then she asked if I went off road - about 80% of the time. Did my bike have a short top tube - I picked it especially. And why didn't I go for rear suspension - rhetorical really as the only reason was being macho. It was done, I think, to generate confidence in her ability, and it worked. I've got, or rather had then, cyclist thighs, but there was no clues to the rest.
This was after I'd paid £360 to a chiropodist who was so good that my back hardly got any worse over the 13 sessions. After the first two sessions, of a total of four, with the physio, and following her instructions - demands in fact, as she was used to dealing with rugby players - I woke up one morning after a whole night's sleep. I felt like crying.
It's a bit of a regime - gentle but regular exercise, such as walking, with some floor exercise and a few weights. Nothing heavy, just dumbbells. She was very no-nonsense, and didn't spare me from the realities.
Sports physios are used to RSI evidently. I had instructions as to how to use painkillers, supports and stuff. But the real problem is that all the different mice, trackballs, pads, chairs and such only defer the problems.
Decided today to make an appointment with the physio and hold off on buying the chair until I get a better idea of what the problem is.
My problems is exacerbated by injury to the nerves. I have no knee reflex - this appears to be seen as a challenge by doctors, chiropodists and physios alike and they all seem to think they can get one - and little sensation in my toes, especially on the right foot. My physio refused to treat me due to this until I'd got an MRI scan. My doctor just nodded it through.
It's no exaggeration to say that it has changed my life. I still get pain, but hardly ever is it so bad that I can't get up or walk about. It's been nearly five years now and, if anything, there's been improvement since the initial substantial improvement.
I could relate to the physio as she dealt with me in the same way as she did rugby players. There was an expectation that I would follow all her instructions, and I was intimidated enough to do so. Each week she would ask me what I'd done and looked at my face to see if I was telling lies. I could have cleaned up Brighton of criminals if I'd been able to master that skill.
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