I Hurt :(

[indieanna86]

I've got what is possibly the oldest, rubbish-est and most uncomfortable work chair in the world, which my boss refuses to replace. My comp screen is really low down too so I'm constantly looking down and craning my neck. I've even tried putting the monitor on a box but to no avail.

Just lately I've been getting a nasty burning feeling down my neck, shoulders and back, it kills so much. I've tried deep heat, a nice bath and just lying down but it's still there. Anyone got an idea of what my cure it? I've been told to try yoga or pilates to sort myself out...

[4getmenot]

Speak to your boss again. Health & Safety states you should have a workplace to standards, that isnt damaging your back or making you feel uncomfortable. Just say to him if you end up crippled you're gonna sue, that will make him or her

[nat_84]

I'm sure you have to ensure your work chair is comfortable. SO force your boss to change it or refuse to work!

As for the neck and shoulders, maybe u could go for a professional massage to try and untangle all the knots.

For the back u can buy those heated pads, which worked a treat for me (can buy them in Boots).

[sunflower71]

Do you have a H&S person? as this doesn't sound right. your pc monitor should be at eye level.

Try streching periodically.

have a look on these :
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/dietandfitness/exper ts/keyyoga/articles/0,,280_165485,00.html

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/yoga_retir ed/28080
http://www.turboergo.com/images/StretchPosterB IG.jpg

If you can afford it book a neck and sholder massage.

[RATTER15]

Get signed off work for 3 weeks and tell your boss that the Dr said it was due to bad posture whilst sitting at your desk!! Yoga is great, read my response here>> http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion357712.html

[Eve]

If the work conditions are causing it then it's that that needs to be sorted. Do you work for a company where you could go higher? Have you explained to him the effect it's having on you and the damage it's doing? Would they rather you were off work?

I used to have fibrocytis when at uni bending over books and computers and the deli counter I worked on and it was horribly painful, similar to your symptoms and my gp gave me some great stuff to help me but you need to address the cause as well as the symptoms. Seeing a doctor may give you some back up if work decide to get funny too.

[Eve]

You could try filling this in and presenting it to them, make sure you keep a copy.

http://www.safeandhealthyworking.com/pdf/downl oads/DSE%20Risk%20Form.pdf

[4getmenot]

Yoga is good but no point in any back exercises if you're just going back to that office each day.

[RATTER15]

4getmenot, I understand what you are saying but not necessarily true with Yoga, when your body become toned and flexible, it becomes far more tolerant of these situations, but still far better to get the cause sorted first!!

[sunflower71]

Yes prevention is better than cure

[Panic Button]

Brilliant Jenna.