Stability Ball as desk chair

[indysteel]

In addition to Oak's suggestion, I think you need to be mindful of your neck posture when you are seated. The tendency is to hold you head too far forward. Ideally, your ears should be balanced directly above your shoulders. Of course there are other aspects of seated posture and alignment that you should be mindful of, too. I would encourage you to start there before trying a stability ball. Some of what I have read about that suggests that people with existing injuries should not use a stability bar.

[malkin]

If you are straining your neck by moving your head forward when you sit at a desk, it could be a vision issue. The right correction could help.

[Catrin]

Thanks for all of the advice, I will examine my posture more closely. I DID have both of my monitors on a riser - I require two large landscape monitors in my work. The riser was perfect, or WOULD have been if I didn't have no-line bifocals. Being a short woman, when the rest of my body is in the proper ergonomic position my head is tilted backwards so I can actually see my monitors when they are on the risers. If I didn't have glasses it would be perfect.

While it doesn't help that I need new glasses, which are coming in January, removing the risers has had the effect of allowing me to view the monitors properly. No tipping my head backwards so I don't have to use the "long distance" portion of my glasses...which doesn't really work well. What would be ideal is a second pair of single vision glasses for work that is only for that distance......hmmmm.... that isn't a bad idea actually. Perhaps in the long term I might do that.

Tomorrow I will pay close attention to my head and neck position, and the spasms have been better since I dumped the riser last week. It didn't help today that I've been trying to go without the muscle relaxers and I just can't do that right now.

Thanks again, I appreciate it!

[snapdragen]

Any chance you can afford a pair of computer use only glasses? I have reading glasses, set up to the distance of my monitor (don't work for poop to actually read...) They are for work only.

[sookiesue]

Back before I had kids, I did a lot of sewing. I used a stability ball for my chair while doing those projects and I loved it. I did not have to sit for several hours at a time, multiple days in a row, so I can't speak to how it would feel for a whole work week, but it was a real back-saver for me when at the sewing machine.

[Catrin]

Any chance you can afford a pair of computer use only glasses? I have reading glasses, set up to the distance of my monitor (don't work for poop to actually read...) They are for work only.

I've considered this, just thought of it this evening. I am due for new glasses in January, I've several older pairs of frames and will consider it. Considering how expensive my normal prescription is, a single-vision set of lenses shouldn't be too expensive since I've already some frames to put them in...this is a really good idea, thanks!

I will hold off on the stability ball for now. The rest of my spine is fine, and thankfully I've quite strong back muscles - I wrenched my lower back the same time I fell and got the whiplash. Interestingly enough it was my lumbar spine I was concerned with, not my neck (cause my back hurt for the rest of the day - my neck took longer to get sore). I think my position at work is much better than it was but will focus on that.

[Selkie]

Keep in mind that switching between High Beams (bifocals) and Low Beams (mid-distance computer glasses) gets old fast.

Progressive lenses are more expensive but are well worth the investment. Since you already have frames you can use, you won't be shelling out a big chunk of change.

[Catrin]

Keep in mind that switching between High Beams (bifocals) and Low Beams (mid-distance computer glasses) gets old fast.

Progressive lenses are more expensive but are well worth the investment. Since you already have frames you can use, you won't be shelling out a big chunk of change.

I have progressive lenses, but the mid-distance portion of the lenses are in the wrong place for my monitors I will be discussing this when them when I get my new glasses. If I were taller it would likely be less of a problem, I have a short torso. I've never had traditional bi-focals.

[goldfinch]

I've considered this, just thought of it this evening. I am due for new glasses in January, I've several older pairs of frames and will consider it. Considering how expensive my normal prescription is, a single-vision set of lenses shouldn't be too expensive since I've already some frames to put them in...this is a really good idea, thanks!

I will hold off on the stability ball for now. The rest of my spine is fine, and thankfully I've quite strong back muscles - I wrenched my lower back the same time I fell and got the whiplash. Interestingly enough it was my lumbar spine I was concerned with, not my neck (cause my back hurt for the rest of the day - my neck took longer to get sore). I think my position at work is much better than it was but will focus on that.

I buy computer glasses and reading glasses from www.zennioptical.com. You put in your prescription. You can get them for less than ten dollars, plus about five dollars shipping. I must have 10 pair of assorted computer and reading glasses laying around the various places I hang out.

[Catrin]

This made me think (if you are not already doing so) it might be more comfortable to use a headset than a traditional office phone so that you are not tempted to scrunch it between your ear and your shoulder...

I spend little time on the phone, if I do wind up on a teleconference I just turn my speaker on. This isn't a bad idea though, especially with the neck arthritis. I figure anything that will ease strain on my neck is a good thing, good. This will be a good thing to get later in the winter, thanks!

I buy computer glasses and reading glasses from www.zennioptical.com. You put in your prescription. You can get them for less than ten dollars, plus about five dollars shipping. I must have 10 pair of assorted computer and reading glasses laying around the various places I hang out.

I checked out their site, and it is pretty nice! I do wear progressives, but I still have to tilt my head in the office - thankfully at home I don't need to do that as much, but I still have to do it a little. This is considerably cheaper than even getting new single-vision lenses in my old frames...thanks for the link! It is interesting that you can also get progressive lenses from them as well. I will stick with my usual provider for my regular glasses but it is good to know this site exists.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Any chance you can afford a pair of computer use only glasses? I have reading glasses, set up to the distance of my monitor (don't work for poop to actually read...) They are for work only.

I second the above suggestion. I too need bifocals for regular usage, but I take my old frames and have some "computer glasses" made up. It is pretty inexpensive (as far as glasses go) because the lenses are single vision, uncoated, and the least expensive lenses available. Usually it costs me at most $50.

[ehirsch83]

We use a stability ball for the desk at home and I really want one at work but I am the only full time employee, so my desk it right where people walk in. I have been thinking about getting one and storing it under my desk when I need to use the actual chair when clients come in. I also end up with neck issues from sitting all day

[Catrin]

We use a stability ball for the desk at home and I really want one at work but I am the only full time employee, so my desk it right where people walk in. I have been thinking about getting one and storing it under my desk when I need to use the actual chair when clients come in. I also end up with neck issues from sitting all day

I hope you are able to resolve this and get to feeling better soon! My neck problems aren't from sitting all day - I wish they were Neck issues aren't fun, regardless of the source.

[colby]

We use a stability ball for the desk at home and I really want one at work but I am the only full time employee, so my desk it right where people walk in. I have been thinking about getting one and storing it under my desk when I need to use the actual chair when clients come in. I also end up with neck issues from sitting all day

I use the Gaiam BalanceBall chair, which makes it look a little more professional than just a stability ball. It is also more spendy than just a ball, though.

In general:

I sit at a computer most of the day (when not in meetings ) and have found that my hips/pelvis/back/neck recover from long or intense runs/rides much better than they did sitting on a chair, no matter how fancy the chair. It also encourages me to get up and walk around because I get tired and notice my posture adjusting (in the wrong direction ).

I do still have to pay attention to all the things mentioned in the thread: where my mouse is (how far I have to reach), reaching for the phone, the height of my monitors, the angle of my head when looking at my monitors.