Desk work = back pain

Back pain often here and I find that I have to watch my posture. No matter what I do to sit in the proper position ergonomically, I slouch horribly so check your posture, focus on keeping core tight when you are sitting and getting up and taking breaks is key.
Stretch your entire lower body when you can and don't neglect calves and hip flexors or IT Band.

Bump!!!!

I've just spent 3 weeks away from the office over the holidays and, surprise surprise, my lower back pain finally went away. After a few hours back in my chair I can feel little twinges of it coming back. I catch myself having really awful posture at my desk. I tend to have my chair set really low, which forces my shoulders to hunch while resting my arms at the keyboard. Try adjusting your seat height to trick your body into better posture. Try and get a foot rest too, I find when I place my feet on the inclided foot rest it makes bad posture more uncomfortable.

I like the idea of using a big exercise ball for a chair. Just make sure it's the right height and/or have the air pump with you so you can adjust it. I've been thinking about doing this myself...

If your job is willing to work with you, how about trying a stand-up desk? A few folks around here with back problems have done that. Different companies have different rules...I know here you have to have a doctor's note for just about anything that has to do with your ergonomic set up (desk height, chair, keyboard, etc) because it's costly to have the company come in to do adjustments. But some companies will just do the adjustment because you ask for it. Either way, it's worth asking about.

P.S. In the meantime, make those stretch breaks a priority! I know it's not always easy but set a timer/reminder on your computer, cell phone, etc. Hell, bring in an egg timer if you have to. We started doing stretch breaks in my office and I swear by them now because I was having major problems with my left shoulder before and now it's fine as long as I keep doing those stretches.

I like the idea of using a big exercise ball for a chair. Just make sure it's the right height and/or have the air pump with you so you can adjust it. I've been thinking about doing this myself...

If your job is willing to work with you, how about trying a stand-up desk? A few folks around here with back problems have done that. Different companies have different rules...I know here you have to have a doctor's note for just about anything that has to do with your ergonomic set up (desk height, chair, keyboard, etc) because it's costly to have the company come in to do adjustments. But some companies will just do the adjustment because you ask for it. Either way, it's worth asking about.

P.S. In the meantime, make those stretch breaks a priority! I know it's not always easy but set a timer/reminder on your computer, cell phone, etc. Hell, bring in an egg timer if you have to. We started doing stretch breaks in my office and I swear by them now because I was having major problems with my left shoulder before and now it's fine as long as I keep doing those stretches.

Exercise balls come in several sizes ..... size you need depends upon your height. Check with HR before you buy a ball (or leave it at home)..... my workplace won't allow this.