Standing Workspace

I had some back problems a year or so ago and bought one of those ergonomic "kneeling" chairs. The one I bought had wheels on it, so it was a lot like a regular desk chair (except it only had 4 wheels, and so had a tendency to tip backwards, so be careful!).

Anyway, they're much better on your back that a conventional chair. The only real problem I found is that your legs get stiff after a while from being folded under you, so you need to get up and walk around every once in a while. Nonetheless, I think it would be better than standing all day.

Good luck! Back problems are a b****

Steve

Check with the Secratary of Defence > understand that his deck is of standup type. lots of luck!

This kneeling chair looks a lot like the chair I bought, but this one looks better (5 wheels!)

I haven't actually used this type of desk, but I have seen some personnel use it in Sweden where I've worked before, as back problems are very common in that country. It can be shifted from a regular desk to a standing desk. Don't know much of its design but you may try with furnitures designed by them.

I am a Mechanical Designer, and have encountered several work environments that use drafting tables (great for viewing large drawings or several smaller drawings, taped on, with the top tilted), work surfaces at drafting table height (approx. 42"-44" high, for monitors and keyboards, usually a continuous Arborite countertop surface), and drafting chairs. This setup, to me, is superior to desk height arrangements, as you can just as easily stand or sit (there is no distance vertically to go from sitting to standing), and it is easier for 2 or more people to collaborate over a drawing or monitor at drafting table height (don't you just hate sitting at a desk height computer and having people hang over your shoulder, not to mention breathe down your neck?). In fact, my home office is a variation of this, having converted my oversized kitchens' peninsula into my home office (36" counter height), with my computer inside fan-vented cabinetry, and a modified pneumatic office chair (height extensions under the seat). Coffee, snacks, and a bright southern view are close at hand. The cordless keyboard and mouse disappear when not in use, leaving only the LCD monitor visible, which I watch the morning news on (TV tuner card w. remote). Seems to me, the drafting height arrangement would accomodate your problems, as well as possibly provide additional benefits. (p.s. this is Munky, I just can't seem to log in!)

After you've done your homework and decided on a set-up, Including a Doctors recommendation can be a powerful validation tool.

You could try www.standupdesk.com. They seem to have a few choices. Otherwise the kneeling chair seems like a good option. My Mom has one and it is quite comfortable and good for posture. Good luck!

If you decide to stand all day say good bye to knees and hips. I have had 9 back operations and wish I had refused the first. WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK, that is the best thing I can reccommend for your back. I know it can be crippling with pain to begin and may take months or years to make you body accept the pain of walking. Please remember your time limits on injury claims are limited by state law. Some doctors repersent the company at the expense of the injured employee and the most state laws limit time periods for employees to made their claims. I know several people who suffer constant crippling pain from workplace injuries and were put off filing for compensations seeking other employment methods. They have lost everything even thier homes.

Me again. Just finished reading an article about people using treadmills at work, and drafting height or standing desk arrangements would lend themselves very well to using a treadmill. Another selling point to approach your boss with!

". . . sell the idea to my boss." You may well be covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires employers (it may be only employers employing more than a certain number of people) to make "reasonable accomodations" for an employee with a disability.

Munky's right Drafting table height, task or drafting chairs. changing positions often is the key. A stretch every 15-20 min, is quite helpful. The stretch doesn't have to be for very long [30secs will do wonders] I hang from a bar mounted just hi enough toget my heels off the ground. I discribed what I was doing to my doc, her comment "that's traction, very good" Just trying to touch the sky is pretty good too. physical therapy is better than surgery, whenever possible. Garth

The cheap option is this: http://snipurl.com/nwgc I'm standing at one right now. You can put the work surface at any height you want...