Lower back pain and your forex chair...

Hi everyone,

I know this is kind of offtopic, but it has COMPLETLY put me out of the markets.

As I started learning forex a month ago, I started sitting at the computer for about 4 to 5 hours everyday. for the past one week, I just can not sit comfortably in a chair anymore. I've changed 3 chairs so far and my butt and lower back is in constant pain. I'm even thinking of getting the Aaron chair only that it is too blimy expensive.

A friend of mine suggested I sit on anexcersize ball with no back support. I just wanted to hear your opinion as I'm sure some of you must have also faced this problem. So How do you guys sit comfortably for hours on end ??


Mohammad Reza.

Proper posture. You'll also need to start developing your back muscles and abs through weight training as they aren't strong enough to support you in this sort of position yet (I'm a personal trainer)

Well, I don't usually sit at the desk all day, but on average i'll sit at my computer for 2-3 hours trading and another 1-2 hours writing email, news, etc. That being said, i do have a traditional desk, but i don't always use it. I'll move between the couch in my living room to the couch on the second level to my desk chair. On the couches, i'm more or less laying down...it's extremely relaxed. In my desk chair, i try to sit up straight...meaning adjusting my chair to the right level where my elbows are just about touching the desk forcing me to sit straight.

And during long periods on my computer, i'm constantly moving. I'll goto the kitchen for a snack and then the next hour i'm getting a meal. Every 20min i'm usually get water or juice, leading to bathroom breaks quite frequently. Point is, i'm never just sitting at my computer. If i'm waiting for a set up (1 hour charts) i'll be doing something other than watching the chart every second. Also, i goto the gym every other day.

That's basically what i do, hope it helps you.

I ran into that problem a couple of years ago, never could get comfortable in my chair and from time to time my back would tighten up on me.

So I got rid of my desk and chair and now my computer sits on the floor in my computer room. I grab me a pillow and lay down flat on my stomach. It is nice and relaxing and I have also found that I have a lot more "desk" space now.

There is no reason you should have to sit the entire time you are at your computer. Every 30 minutes or so, stand up, stretch your back, walk around, etc.

Weird, I sit on the computer for up to 10 hours a day yet feel no pain whatsoever, nor do I exercise my muscles. Ok, I play a bit of sport (tennis, football), but I don't see the need to specifically train your muscles just for sitting on a chair for a few hours.

Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it mate.

I've had that problem before. Just make it a point to get out and walk around some. A quick stroll around the block to fetch a coffee is what I go for.

Also watch for posture and make sure your chair is a good one.

I solved this problem by getting a new chair, a lot bigger and filled with foam.
I already had a job that required me to work long hours in front of the pc and I had horrible back pain as well...before I got my new chair. My back is very happy now.

Besides keeping myself in decent shape I also enjoy massages 3 times a week. Try to find a massage school nearby and you can usually get it cheaper then a full service spa.

Thank you very much for all your responses and wonderful suggestions guys.

I started sitting on an exercise ball for the past 2 or 3 days now and it is amazing how much I'm enjoying it.

http://www.gearfire.net/10-reasons-t...as-your-chair/

My back pain went away straight away now that I wobble around on this thing all day . I will also try yorygog's idea of keeping the PC on the floor.

Thank you so much to all.

Mohammad Reza.

Oh my goodness...

Lol this is a funny thread. Though a serious issue of course.

If you carry a wallet in your back pocket take it out at least while you are sitting (this includes while driving). I took mine out a couple years ago on advice from some source I don't even remember and now I have NO MORE LOWER BACK PAIN!!!! WOOHOO!! Years of nagging lower backache disappeared almost overnight. Give it a try.

http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keat...nza-wallet.jpg http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keat...anza-diner.jpg

You had George Costanza's wallet. You've been following health advice from Seinfeld.

Check out the book titled "Treat your own back" by Robin McKenzie.
The book is about $15 USD and you can find it at any online book seller.

The author explains very clearly why sitting in a standard chair for any length of time puts stress on the discs and ligaments in your low back.

He also gives some very clear and easy exercise's to eliminate any pain.

Laying on the floor on your belly is one of them.

Good luck with your back.

Hi AzTrader,

The book was only 10$ in amazon, I just ordered it and hope it will teach me new methods as my back pain keeps comeing back.

Thank you very much for your recomendation.

Mohammad Reza.

Just had the same problem.
2 cortisone injections, no beer,exercise ball for seating and loads of walking fixed it.
Dont slouch on the ball. keep your back upright.Its hard to keep good posture in the beginning.
Maybe stick a post it note on your screen to remind you.

I saw an article the other day in a local paper for an office chair that costs $10,000 for sale in Dubai. They've sold 40 of them over the last year or so. The writer said that it molds to your body and the armrests automatically adjust to the correct height. For that money it better fetch me coffee and give handjobs as well.

Great thread

Follow the advice of phantom of the pits.... get a good glide rocker lol

Had the same problem myself. Bought a great office chair, looks like something out of a sports car. Damn thing cost £150 but looked great.

Had nothing but grief. Sciatica, spasms in the lower back etc. Threw the bloody thing out and replaced it with a £30 job from staples. Looks naff but the back problems disappeared overnight.