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Troubleshooting - Pain and Discomfort Creeping Back In

michy
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05/03/2010 - 11:14am
Troubleshooting - Pain and Discomfort Creeping Back In
Hi,

I suffer from lower back pain and bought the book a few weeks ago and for the first two weeks, I saw immediately results with stretchsitting at work.  It was like flicking a switch and whatever pain or tightness I had went away after about 24 hours and I continued to have zero pain or tightness in my lower back for about two weeks.  Into the end of week 2 and now on week three and I even though I am stretchsitting, I can't seem to get comfortable and I can feel the tightness creeping back in.  It's very uncomfortable and making me nervous, since I was doing so well.  No matter how I adjust my chair or my posture, it feels like my upper body is falling forward.  I have to work to stay upright and thus can't relax my muscles.  I'm not sure if I got sloppy or if my chair is not positioned right.  I've tried scooting my bum forward on the seat as well as adding different thicknesses of towel to the back of my chair, as shown in the book, but whatever I try isn't working.  Also, one thing I should mention is that because I've been so comfortable and pain free, I haven't been getting up as often.  Maybe there is a relation.  Anyone have any insight as to what is going on?

Thanks,
Michy
P.S. I ordered the stretchsit cushion, but it hasn't arrived yet. 
michy
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05/03/2010 - 11:14am
Ok, so I should mention that

1)my chair back can tilt forward or backward and I can lock the position
2)my seat slides front to back, to make a deeper or shallower seat
3)I have a narrow towel right below my shoulder blades

I've just adjusted the seat to make it deeper and it seems a bit more comfortable on my lower back.  But at this point it's the end of the day and my upper and lower back feel very tired.
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Hi Michy,

The book is called 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back for a reason. It sounds like you have done one step with some measure of success. It's amazing how much stretchsitting can do for you, it's true, but If your way of bending, standing, walking and exercising are problematic, those habits will catch up with you in spite of your cool new trick. It sounds like it's time to implement some of the other steps into your day.

Also, to improve your stretchsitting, the Stretchsit cushion will help a lot. Getting up and walking around from time to time is also important.

Keep us posted and good luck!
michy
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Sorry it's been a while since my original post, but just wanted to say thank you for the replies.  You're absolutely right Esther. I was getting a little ahead of myself and forgot that there were other steps that would help me get to a pain free back.  I've since started applying the other techniques and have been relatively pain free.  The one thing I have noticed is if I start feeling good or get really busy, my technique starts to slip or I stop stretching/exercising as much because I'm feeling so great or don't have time.  This is something I really need to pay attention to. 

Anyways, thanks for the advice.  It's truly appreciated.

Michy
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Great to hear! One day everyone around you will remind you of what you need to do - backsliding happens when people around you have poor posture habits. We copy each other, whether we know it or not. Try to introduce the work to those around you - your family, your friends, your fitness instructors, your health practitioners, etc.
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