Health Issues - Neck / Back

[xoggoth]

PS. I'm 11st

That's quite heavy for a bloke who's only 5'2"

[northernrampage]

Take old greg's advice to see a rheumatologist. I get chest pains due to costochondritis and thought I was going nuts as thought it was heart problems, not just joint swellings. It was only some doctor in the walk-in clinic who spotted it after prodding me for a bit. Other gps hadn't.

I've also had loads of back and hip issues. I generally find most gps aren't specialists in backs but if you get referred to a specialist it will help. And if nothing wrong after seeing a specialist and you want a physio... I'd find a good sports physio through recommendation or reading reviews/their website. May just have been bad luck but last physio I saw through my gp told me I was buggered and I should learn not to do certain movements, but not to worry as when I hit 50 it would all stiffen up and I'd stop hurting And another one just used to plug me into electrics but not give me stretches, didn't help in long term.

A sports physio helped me a fair bit. But that's only because he sorted initial pain problems out e.g dodgy hips, bad back, then referred me to another trainer who gave me loads of dynamic stretches to do (that I don't always do).

I wouldn't just go and "get fit" until you get checked out. Because if you start doing lots of exercise you may hurt yourself if you're not doing it right. You need to make sure you engage the right muscles.

And I think there is hope, I used to spend some weeks lying on the floor and taking painkillers. Don't generally do that now however I need to keep everything moving with stretches and exercise.

[hyperD]

There are chairs and there are chairs

Seriously, suffered the same and then invested in one of these chaps for my office. Or if you don't work direact, say you're pregnant and insist on your client in buying one.

[aussielong]

Swimming helped me

I have the same story as you actually. Been bent over a computer for 25 years now since I started programming a ZX Spectrum in 1986. My back and neck hurt. Sometimes my upper back pain is so bad, I have to get up and walk around to avoid vomiting.

I went to a physio and she did lots of things that didn't help but she recommended swimming. I have found swimming helps a lot. It helps you stretch out your back.

Also, don't sit on your wallet. This screws up your back.

[doodab]

I went through a phase of abject agony a few years ago. I found that losing a bit of weight and doing regular core strength exercises so these days I do them several times a week. I imagine yoga has a similar benefit but I haven't tried it.

If you carry a bag / briefcase try swapping it for a decent rucksack and wearing it with the straps over both shoulders.

[TiroFijo]

WHS.

You are overweight and unfit. Spent less time posting bollox here and more time playing sport/gym/swimming.

Fish's music would have anyone stooped over

[Old Greg]

I appear to have been bombarded with -ve rep (mostly signed MF) for being kind to MF. It's not that I don't enjoy seeing him in pain, but if he can manage his condition better, he might be slightly less of a knut, and I do feel sorry for Mrs MF.

So in the spirit of that, the OP's suggestion re walk-in clinic is worth pursuing. I've found them excellent, but I'm not sure if you'll get a referral without going via your GP

[OwlHoot]

If you carry a bag / briefcase try swapping it for a decent rucksack and wearing it with the straps over both shoulders.

But don't go on the tube with it, as you'll annoy and inconvenience every one else!

I find the best office chair sitting technique is to alternate every few minutes between slouching back and sitting upright. Works for me, because I've never had a back pain in my life.

[Clever Hans]

IANAD, etc.

Physio and massage certainly improved back issues for me, and I know people who've had excellent acupuncture results, so if you haven't already, try different experts to those you've already used, and then try different ones again if still no dice.

If you are having stress above normal in your job, don't underestimate the impact that can have, and make sure you are managing it properly, and rejecting unreasonable management pressure to take it on.

Change your physical environment and activity at work - try an alternative to a mouse, make sure you are getting away from your desk for a short walk every hour, and don't take lunch at it.

Consider trying a stand up desk (which have been claimed to reduce back pain among other things), or at least stand to do as many tasks as practical - phone calls, etc.

[xoggoth]

Been bent over a computer for 25 years now since I started programming a ZX Spectrum in 1986.

Been bent over a computer for 39 years now since I started programming an Elliot 405 in 1972 and my back is fine. Just shows modern technology is crap.