A chair that might be worth trying for you is one made by Carmichael. It's an office chair based on their drum thrones — I think they use the term "floating spine" to promote them. There is a gap through the centre of the chair, front to back, so the cheeks of your behind sit normally on the chair, but there's no pressure under your spine. For me, it's very helpful, as there's no pressure on the tailbone. Whether it will help with YOUR sciatica or not is anyone's guess — every back problem is different. But definitely worth a try, if you haven't tried one already.
I checked out both the HAG Capisco and the Malmstolen High 5 and those look promising, though I can hardly find reviews and specially not from people with Sciatica.I don’t have any back trouble, but I’ve been using a Capisco chair for about 10 months, and I like it a lot. It can be used as either a high saddle-seat stool or as a regular low office chair, or in several other ways, and one size (the middle one?) has enough adjustability to accommodate both me (6'2") and my wife (5'3").
Lack of arm rests are my main concern though. Normally I put my elbows on them so that I raise my arms while typing. But maybe thats not needed anymore just like standing.My recommendation is to bring your keyboard and mouse (or any work or UI device that you plan to use your hands on for a substantial amount of time) in close to your body, so that you can leave your upper arms hanging loosely at your sides instead of reaching forward or out to the side. That will reduce the load on your shoulder and back needed to hold your arms up.
I checked out both the HAG Capisco and the Malmstolen High 5 and those look promising, though I can hardly find reviews and specially not from people with Sciatica.I don�t have any back trouble, but I�ve been using a Capisco chair for about 10 months, and I like it a lot. It can be used as either a high saddle-seat stool or as a regular low office chair, or in several other ways, and one size (the middle one?) has enough adjustability to accommodate both me (6'2") and my wife (5'3").
It might have been me recommending it in your other topic.
I have no idea where to go to find chair reviews from people with sciatica.QuoteLack of arm rests are my main concern though. Normally I put my elbows on them so that I raise my arms while typing. But maybe thats not needed anymore just like standing.My recommendation is to bring your keyboard and mouse (or any work or UI device that you plan to use your hands on for a substantial amount of time) in close to your body, so that you can leave your upper arms hanging loosely at your sides instead of reaching forward or out to the side. That will reduce the load on your shoulder and back needed to hold your arms up.
I really wanted to give one like this () a try, but couldn't foot the bill -- and it didn't raise the funding needed. Maybe you could make a DIY version.
I haven't tried Vitamin C, what would be the effects?
I haven't tried Vitamin C, what would be the effects?
I've tried the Malmstolen 7000 and the chair is super comfortable. Sadly this chair, like other chairs I tried, made the Sciatica worse.
I guess my leg/back simply cannot take the pressure it takes from normal chairs.
So now I'm gonna try a saddle chair, those seem to look a lot better for the pressure in my leg.
I checked out both the HAG Capisco and the Malmstolen High 5 and those look promising, though I can hardly find reviews and specially not from people with Sciatica.
HAG Capisco:Show Image(http://www.chairholder.de/publicdata/cms/reports/142/590_04.jpg)
http://www.haginc.com/products/hag-capisco/ (http://www.haginc.com/products/hag-capisco/)
(actually somebody recommended it in the first topic I posted here on GH :p )
Malmstolen High 5:Show Image(http://malmstolen.com/assets/u/produkter/High5/flexible-hi5.jpg)
http://malmstolen.com/products/flexible/model-high5/ (http://malmstolen.com/products/flexible/model-high5/)
Anybody here have any thoughts?
Lack of arm rests are my main concern though. Normally I put my elbows on them so that I raise my arms while typing. But maybe thats not needed anymore just like standing.
Thinking of checking out the High 5 first as my ergo guy should be able to get a hold of that one easily.
Hm, maybe. Though it could also just be that your chair doesn�t provide enough support to easily sit like that. How long is a �while�? Do you get tired if you stand up for the same amount of time? What about if you walk slowly for that amount of time?
My standing offer is still open:
If some individual, on my recommendation, buys Pain Free by Pete Egoscue
http://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Revolutionary-Stopping-Chronic/dp/0553379887 (http://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Revolutionary-Stopping-Chronic/dp/0553379887)
...reads the whole thing, and gives it an honest try for a couple of months
...and it doesn't work...
...I'll buy it from them, and "lend" it to someone else. I've had good success with the Egoscue Method, and am now pain free. I have had a number of people buy the book at my recommendation and to date have not been taken up on my "buyback" offer. Click the link and at least read some of the reviews before dismissing it!
I actually lost 11kg the last couple of months (bit of a surprise actually) and currently weigh 81kg.
I'm 184cm so that weight so i'm probably a bit heavy for my size but not overweight.
I myself have short hamstrings too and have been stretching them with yoga exercises, the're already a bit longer but still nowhere near where they should be.
Now that I'm testing the Saddle chair my schedule is like this:Though i try to make the standing period longer.
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Stand 45 minutes
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Sit 45 minutes
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Etc..
I've been using WorkRave (http://www.workrave.org/ (http://www.workrave.org/)) for other RSI/CANS-like symptoms and now I also use it for my sit-stand schedule.
I actually lost 11kg the last couple of months (bit of a surprise actually) and currently weigh 81kg.
I'm 184cm so that weight so i'm probably a bit heavy for my size but not overweight.
I myself have short hamstrings too and have been stretching them with yoga exercises, the're already a bit longer but still nowhere near where they should be.
Now that I'm testing the Saddle chair my schedule is like this:Though i try to make the standing period longer.
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Stand 45 minutes
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Sit 45 minutes
- Saddle 45 minutes
- Etc..
I've been using WorkRave (http://www.workrave.org/ (http://www.workrave.org/)) for other RSI/CANS-like symptoms and now I also use it for my sit-stand schedule.
Sc0tTy,
How are you finding the Salli saddle? I'm thinking of picking one up next week.
Is there much pressure on the back of your legs from the seat?
Thanks.
Was thinking of writing a piece after this weekend but I can tell you that when using the Salli and just standing I hardly feel my Sciatica.
The pressure on the back of the legs is not present while seated.
But I can tell you that when they told me my ass is gonna hurt... They weren't kidding!
Especially my left sitting bone took a beating, I guess due to the shorter left leg (possibly why I have Sciatica in that leg, I went to the hospital last week to measure and its over 1cm shorter) I put more pressure on that side because my balance is slightly to the left.
But now that pain is getting less and less worse, a.t.m. its just annoying. It still does not allow me to sit on it for 2 hours but I'm getting there. Im not sure if its the chair or my sciatica but i do feel a little pressure on the inside of my left leg and thigh and it feels a little numb.
After some Binging and Googling I did find a site with a ton of information you should check out:
http://www.backdesigns.com/Saddle-seats-and-sit-stands-C231.aspx
Currently I'm testing the Swing Fit but like the site I mention says, the two halves move so you have to readjust them. I sent Salli an email asking for the gap-width of the Swing (non-fit) and its about 3cm. I'm now using that distance on the fit to see if I enjoy it and if so I'll be getting that one.
After using the chair for a little while I wasn't sure this chair was usable for me but the pain is going away now and after reading all those articles on Backdesigns.com I'm convinced I will love this thing in time. My body is simply not used to this position and so it needs to adjust.
Hopefully thats some useful information for you, I'll be writing more about it in the future. But if you have any more questions let me know :)
Currently I'm testing the Swing Fit but like the site I mention says, the two halves move so you have to readjust them. I sent Salli an email asking for the gap-width of the Swing (non-fit) and its about 3cm. I'm now using that distance on the fit to see if I enjoy it and if so I'll be getting that one.
So what was the deal with the adjustments? Does the swing fit keep moving and you have readjust it every time? Is the maximum width of the swing fit 3cm? I've seen a swing fit on ebay, but I read that the swing fit is for people under 5'6" (168cm) as it allows for a narrower seat width. I would a normal swing stool, but the swing fit on ebay is tempting if it isn't a hassle to use.
Thanks.
Just received the Salli's :)
Just received the Salli's :)