Bad Back From Too Much Editing

Steven Bogda

Steven Bogda

Well-known member
I have recently spent tons of time in front of my laptop. I can barely move because my lower back is in so much pain. Other than going to a chiropractor or doctor, which I have already done before...is there any other solution?

Ergonomic Chair or something?
Anyone have similar problems?
I try not to hunch over the laptop and I sit with a couch pillow behind my lower back to keep my straight.
 
Had the same problem. Exercise was the only thing that fixed it...And I'm fond of mesh back chairs like this--

0009023402491_L4.jpg


http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...07&pid=_Froogle&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=879438
 
Also take a break and go for a walk every three hours. Not only will it help your back but will help give you a fresh perspective for when you come back.
 
I had it pretty bad, so much so that is started affecting my jaw.

The only thing that fixed it was to limit my time in the chair, exercise. stretching, and acupuncture.

Another suggestion is to get one of those balls that are for stretching, etc, and sit on that for periods at a time. It corrects your posture.
 
Get an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor so you can work sitting at a desk in a more properly ergonomic position.


-A
 
I have the same problem as well. Back tension. Not sure if it's the chair, long hours, stress...maybe it's all three. ha,ha.

I'm trying to look into the acupuncture thing.
 
Oh yeah, and working your abs is more important than working your back, as strong abdominals will take the stress off it.
 
In the past few years I unfortunately wound up going to physical therapy twice due to back/neck problems from long hours of editing.

That's part of the reason I want to get a new editing desk that will allow me to stand while I work as opposed to sitting down (where I'm much more apt to slouch and hunch over the keyboard.)

Try raising your laptop up so your monitor is at a more comfortable height.
Also make sure your feet are comfortably reaching the floor.
Most importantly, be aware of your head position - while most of my pain was in my back the therapist made me realize it was coming from my neck. By leaning forward and hanging my head out in front of my body it was putting a lot of strain on the base of my neck - hence the muscles in my shoulder blades were tightening up to compensate...

Long story short now I make sure to hold my head up up straight - and I get up at least once every 30 minutes. I also do periodic neck stretches.

Haven't had a problem since.
 
Luis Caffesse said:
That's part of the reason I want to get a new editing desk that will allow me to stand while I work as opposed to sitting down (where I'm much more apt to slouch and hunch over the keyboard.)
Click to expand...

If you do choose to stand while editing, it helps to have a platform about 6 inches tall in front of you so you can stand one foot on it to rest one of your legs on the platform. It's takes a lot of stress off the lower back if you stand in one spot for long periods of time. You also would want to switch legs that you have on the platform ever 30 min or so.
 
i hear sitting on those excercise balls also forces you into good posture, plus every so often you can just lay back and stretch on it... and/or do an ab workout! :)
 
This lets me sit down forever and I never get sore.

I am also fairly active, through biking and walking a lot. I don't know how much this plays into it (probably a bunch).
 
I agree William. One thing I notice when stuck editing all week, is you tend to do long hours like some kind of freak sitting in the dark and tend to get a sore back in the process.

So basically youre stressing your body whilst doing very little else but tap tap away. Try to break the day up and go for a walk, ride or gym with some stretching.
 
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