what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

It is torture for me to sit for more than about 15 minutes. I have computer work that I must finish up before I go out (completing paperwork in my software and doing online court filings). I think I can get it done in 3-4 hours a day for the next few days even if I take a lot of breaks, but even that amount of sitting is torture. I have had neck problems for a few years but that is not what is bothering me. It is my mid back/thoracic spine area. I have never really had pain there before!! I just switched chairs and that did not help!!!! What's the best solution? I have mild muscle relaxants (Flexeril) at home and they are listed online as category B pregnancy, but I am still scared to take them and I would probably fall asleep if I did take them now!

If you are familiar with my line of work, this is very very ironic. I'm a social security disability lawyer and one of the key arguments I make to get people out on disability is that they cannot even perform sedentary work in their condition. If I rule out a desk job, the person can usually be awarded benefits. If this back pain were expected to last longer than the pregnancy, I'd have to become my own client (j/k).

Someone must be able to tell me what works for them for this horrendous mid back pain!!!!

Message edited 10/3/2007 5:58:29 PM.

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

I had it terribly and unfortunately the only thing that helped me was getting up often. My doctor said to try a heating pad but I never bothered. Hope you find something that works bc I know how bad that pain is

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Kerie I have a heating pad/massager that goes on the back of a chair in my office. I haven't used it recently. Want to borrow it just to see if it helps??

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Message edited 10/3/2007 11:39:26 PM.

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Kerie- I was having the same problems. My dr. told me NO heating pads on the back or stomach, so check with your dr. first.
I did get a really firm chair pillow that contours to the shape of my back and it seems to be working for me so far.
It was actually my moms from a car accident that she got for a chiropractor.
Have you tried to go for a pregnancy massage, that might relieve some of the pain too.
Feel better.

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

U should try acupuncture. I know it sounds crazy but I work in an acu office and My back has been in bad shape and yesterday I got some acupunture because I couldnt take the pain anymore. I feel so much better. Hope you will too. xo

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

just a word of advice - if you get a prenatal massage, try to get a recommendation if possible. I had one amazing one but the one I had to relieve my back pain in the third trimester made it worse because the therapist was terrible!

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Prenatal massage and an incline foot rest for sitting at my desk. I was told heating pads were a no no.

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

anyone have recommendations for a prenatal massage in suffolk?

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

My back has been bothering me when I sit for chunks of time for at least a month, maybe longer. Honestly, I haven't found any magic trick that gets rid of it, but these are the things that help me:


Getting up and walking around a bit
Sitting up very straight-Slouching definitely makes it worse
Adjusting my chair and bringing a support pillow to work
Not crossing my legs


That's about it, and I can't say any of it is perfect. When I'm commuting, I sometimes turn down seat offers just because it feels great to stand a little while after I get off the LIRR and go on the subway.

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Thanks everyone. I think I really have to get up more often. I have to stop saying that I just want to finish one more thing!!!

Re: what remedies can help me to sit at my desk without so much back pain

Even if you are not pregnant, you should sit with your legs elevated on something underneath you - excessive desk sitting can cause back pain - try to sit with your feet on something, elevating your legs a little, which will help keep your body in allignment...