Sit up tall

I recently spent a significant chunk of change to get a massage because my back was out of whack thanks to poor sitting posture. Who thinks about how they sit? Okay maybe lots of people, hence the whole ergonomic office industry. Whatever. I for one was happy slouched over in a crooked sort of a way until my back wigged out.

The massage therapist recommended sitting on an exercise ball while working at the computer. I first verified that my boss would approve of his assistant sitting on a giant bouncy ball, not exactly the epitome of professionalism. Although he gave his okay, I think he had second thoughts when he came out of his office one day to see me filling up the giant grey sphere to its full height. Fortunately for my boss, I got the wrong size ball. It was barely tall enough for me to see over the keyboard, let alone see the screen.

Then I discovered a stray ergonomic kneeling chair from a recently abandoned office.

Since it was homeless, I allowed it to accompany me back to my desk, where I could put it to good use. Once I figured out how to raise and lower the seat, and found an inconspicuous place to hide my regular chair, I gave it a try.

It’s not what I would call uber comfy, but it is entertaining. You can turn it around and sit on it reversed. You can sit on the knee pads and stretch backwards when you are tired. If only I could figure out how to do side crunches, I might consider creating an office workout DVD,

"60 second workouts for the new and improved you."

"All in the comfort of your cubicle."

And if any of you are interested in a 55 cm bouncy ball (I hear kids love 'em), please let me know and you can have mine. ;>)

Baby Got Back

Oooooooooooooouuuuuuuuccccccccccchhhhhhhhhh! I have back pain, severe back pain. I reached into the fridge for yogurt, and SNAP I acquired the mobility of a hobbled horse. I've been informed that a muscle in my butt is having the equivalent of a panic attack. This wouldn't be so horrible if it wasn't for the fact that the lower back is involved in almost every major function of the human body. I can't even laugh without my back seizing. Today, I choked on a sneeze because I was writhing in pain.

When it comes to treatments, I've also discovered that everyone has their favorites. Ice it, heat it, roll it with a tennis ball. Go to the doctor, get a massage, visit the chiropractor. Rest, walk, stretch. Sleep on your back, sleep on your side, take some meds. Do the hokey pokey, turn yourself around, that's what it's all about.

So far I think my dad is right, it's just going to take time, but since I don't like crying opening at work because of the pain, I'm willing to try as many of the above options as possible. Here's what I've found so far. I'm not in favor of icing because Boston is cold enough without my sticking a block of pure coldness on my butt. Heat is okay, but you start to feel like a pot roast after a couple hours.

No one recommended it, but I've found a nice inbetween are IcyHot packs which have the added benefit of numbness. Meds are a must, but you've got to find the right ones for your body chemistry. 800 mg of Advil every 4 hours is working marvy so I'm going to put off going to the doctor unless I'm still miserable on Thursday. I went to a massage therapist and after dropping $60 I don't think I have the mulla for trying out a chiropractor. When it comes to sleeping I don't really care what position is best, I just can't wait until I can go back to sleeping on my tummy.

In the any case, I will continue hobbling, wobbling, and shuffling my way through the day while I try new treatments until that malicious butt muscle takes a chill pill.