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Author
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Topic: I'm standing.
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Snaggy
Sir Snaggalot!
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posted February 25, 2010 09:24
For a couple of years now I've been getting horrible tailbone pain after working on the computer for short periods of time. Apparently I damaged the old tail at some point (I think it was a cross-country skiing wipe-out). I've tried the various cushions and such, they work to some degree, but it always comes back.
Yes indeed, coccyx pain is a bummer, to say the least.
So, inspired by Star Trek, I've set up a standing workstation to see if that helps. If Tasha Yar and Worf can handle it, then so can I!
Wish me luck, it's been an hour and my feet are killing me already.
![[cry baby]](graemlins/crybaby.gif)
Posts: 7679 | From: Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
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Stereo
Solid Nitrozanium SuperFan!
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posted February 25, 2010 10:08
For any standing working stations, you have to make sure the floor is set up appropriately! Rubber mats do wonder (that's what manufactures use - and I have done that job a summer, so I know!), and make sure you have comfortable shoes. A little yoga for some good work posture could help too. Good luck, and have fun!
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Eppur, si muove!
Galileo Galilei
Posts: 2286 | From: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada | Registered: Apr 2001
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Snaggy
Sir Snaggalot!
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posted February 25, 2010 10:28
So a cold, concrete basement floor isn't a good idea? ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Thanks Stereo! Good ideas!
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TheMoMan
BlabberMouth, a Blabber Odyssey
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posted February 25, 2010 12:16
____ Snaggy, So a cold, concrete basement floor isn't a good idea? One word answer NO. The concrete will pull the warmth out of your feet, the next day you may limp, or experience gout like symtoms. Build up the floor, with plywood over 2x2s add a small space heater blowing warm air under the plywood so that your feet don't get cold. think about a leaning stool to partially park your setter downer on, then your feet do not have to support your full body weight for long periods of time.
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If it don't glow it ain't Ham Radio
Posts: 5071 | From: Just South of the Huron National Forest, in the water shed of the Rifle River | Registered: Sep 2002
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Xanthine
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posted February 25, 2010 12:33
You can get used to standing for long periods. I prefer to do any sort of intense hands-on type of work, be it cooking or an arts-craftsy project or wet lab work, on my feet (though if I'm using a computer or microscope I prefer to sit). The work I did as a grad and undergrad was very different from what I do now and I would often find myself standing most of the day on linoleum floors. These days the standing's been pared down by about two-thirds. The prolonged periods of time on my feet only bothered me when I was a rookie. And honestly I'm not too in love with the amount of sitting I do these days. The resulting science is pretty cool but it's rough on me back.
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And it's one, two, three / On the wrong side of the lee / What were you meant for? / What were you meant for?
- The Decemberists
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dragonman97
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posted February 25, 2010 17:00
You might also try one of those crazy ergonomic things that you basically kneel forward in. Personally, I think they're bizarre, but I'm aware that some people swear by them.
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There are three things you can be sure of in life: Death, taxes, and reading about fake illnesses online...
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Snaggy
Sir Snaggalot!
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posted February 25, 2010 17:28
I'm thinking a big jolly jumper would be perfect. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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TheMoMan
BlabberMouth, a Blabber Odyssey
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posted February 25, 2010 17:52
____ Snaggy. The problem is the inactivity of standing, Humans are expected to walk, the Valves in the veins work very well when we walk, that improves Circulation to the feet and regulates the temperature of our feet. When we sit or stand too long Circulation of the blood takes a hit.
____ Now if you could figure out how to do your computing from a treadmill, Work and Exercise at the same time.
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If it don't glow it ain't Ham Radio
Posts: 5071 | From: Just South of the Huron National Forest, in the water shed of the Rifle River | Registered: Sep 2002
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TheMoMan
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posted February 26, 2010 03:55
____ YUP, Thats about right.
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If it don't glow it ain't Ham Radio
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Tech Angel
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posted February 28, 2010 23:10
Sorry to hear about the tailbone. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
There are numerous sit-stand desks and adjustable height workstations on the market so one can easily shift between work positions as needed. Here's one by, appropriately enough, GeekDesk, but many other companies make them, too.
BTW, standing while working also benefits some people with ADHD. There's even a company that produces stand-up desks for students for just that reason. They have a noiseless patent-pending "pendulum footrest" for those who need to keep their legs moving.
And if you like HalfVast's suggestion, here's a company that produces treadmill desk add-ons affordably, and Steelcase's Mercedes version. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
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We must be the change we want to see in the world. -Mahatma Ghandi
Posts: 328 | From: the Great State of Confusion | Registered: Sep 2001
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Rhonwyyn
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posted March 01, 2010 17:50
Jonathan works as a cook at Marcaroni Grill. He swears by Mario Batali's Crocs (except Jonathan gets the same version in black). They're ugly, but they do the trick. If you're planning on working on your feet for a long time, I recommend you get yourself a pair.
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Change the way you SEE, not the way you LOOK!
Posts: 3821 | From: Lancaster, PA | Registered: Jul 2004
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Snaggy
Sir Snaggalot!
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posted March 02, 2010 11:30
oooo I like these suggestions and links, thanks!
A height adjusting desk would be really great. I'm sick of moving my monitor and keyboard up and down on top of boxes. ![[tired]](graemlins/tired.gif)
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CommanderShroom
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posted March 03, 2010 09:09
No not crocs!!
Good shoes are a must though. I implore you though no rubber hospital shoes. ugh!
Skate shoes then to have decent padding, as do some of the true work boots (Redwings, Timberlands, etc.). If I am going to be on my feet, I like stuff that wraps my ankles well. That is typically where I hurt the most.
Keep a good stool around to lean on, but also walk around as much as you can. Being totally stationary is hard on you.
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Posts: 2418 | From: Somewhere between the gutter... and probably another gutter | Registered: Mar 2003
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zorgon
Assimilated
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posted March 03, 2010 16:33
My folks got me a gel floor mat for the kitchen (I spend a lot of time cooking for my herd) and it's a godsend. I think they got it from SurLaTable(.com) but you can probably get them cheaper elsewhere.
Posts: 381 | From: Beautiful Uptown Goleta | Registered: Sep 2000
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Snaggy
Sir Snaggalot!
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posted March 05, 2010 17:44
So, it's been about a week now, and I'm starting to get used to standing while working. (In other words, I forget that I'm standing up in front of the computer now.)
Tailbone is way better, but it's been a hard week, my legs and feet are killing me at the end of the day, and I still need to get a proper workstation going, and proper pad to stand on.
I'll probably raise my whole desk this weekend, as working on various boxes is getting old. It has been interesting reading up on the whole standing desk phenom and drooling at the Geekdesk and other adjustable desks available out there in InternetLand.
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Zwilnik
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posted March 05, 2010 18:05
Hmm, I just got a trampoline for my birthday. I wonder if I can take this no-chair thing one step further? ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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The Universe is entirely made up of elements.
The most important of which is the element of surprise.
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Grummash
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posted March 06, 2010 03:02
quote:
JOriginally posted by Rhonwyyn:
Jonathan works as a cook at Marcaroni Grill. He swears by Mario Batali's Crocs
Docs not Crocs!
Docs not Crocs!
Docs not Crocs!
Docs not Crocs!
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...and yet, across the gulf of space, minds immeasurably superior to ours regarded this earth with envious eyes...
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MacManKrisK
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posted March 06, 2010 12:49
I'm going to have to throw in my recommendation for Birkenstocks. They're expensive (really expensive), but they are THE MOST comfortable shoes I've ever had. If my back hurts or my feet hurt I just put on my Birks and things feel better almost immediately.
It took a week for them to wear in, and another month for them to really wear in, and the more I wear them the more comfortable they get!
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get rich and you still die"
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TheMoMan
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posted March 06, 2010 13:22
____ After years of factory concrete floors, I found out about "New Balance" some stores even have a foot mapping machine that will recomend the right shoe for you. Then replace them after 6-8 months as you will have broken down the inner sole. If when you are standing your feet burn then your shoes are wrong.
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If it don't glow it ain't Ham Radio
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CommanderShroom
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posted March 06, 2010 15:38
quote:
Originally posted by MacManKrisK:
I'm going to have to throw in my recommendation for Birkenstocks.
Damn Hippie. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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