Spinal stenosis, back, hip & leg issues: A good office chair?

@sparklegram, I'd like to invite @leslie324, @jenniferhunter, @baxtersmom, and @grandmar to this discussion as they have all talked about spinal stenosis and may have some insight on comfortable chair that has helped them in the past. @sparklegram, are you looking for a chair that helps with support for while you are working, or lounging, or both?

@JustinMcClanahan, - Thank you, Justin I'd like to be part of this discussion. I tutor children 4 hours a day, four days a week. I also spend time at my computer for other things. i don't ever need a chair for lounging, but for comfort as I tutor, and for sitting at my computer.

@sparklegram I did have cervical spinal stenosis for which I have had corrective surgery. What helps me a lot is good posture. At a computer, you should try to keep things at eye level. Looking down at a keyboard and bending your neck forward isn't great for your spine for any length of time. Any poor posture just puts extra pressure on the spine and muscle spasms can move the bones essentially making the spinal canal smaller if they are offset due to some instability. I didn't have stenosis at the nerve roots, just in the canal. What helped my back a lot was to strengthen my core and sitting in an office chair makes it hard to sit perfectly straight. My therapist had recommended sitting on a large exercise ball which is a little unstable, so your muscles have to work and it allows the legs to not need to be at 90 degrees to the body. That may not be a good choice at your age, but there is an air filled cushion that you can put on an office chair so you can do this, and it would be more stable. It's kind of like riding a horse and compensating for the movement. I do have a horse and ride him with good posture to exercise my back and that helps everything because it builds core strength. Working with a physical therapist might be a good idea for you. They do evaluate patients when Medicare is supplying wheelchairs, and they might be able to recommend something ergonomic that could accommodate your specific needs.

Hi All!
I'm back with the latest and greatest.
Went to my neurosurgeon yesterday for a follow-up from my MRI and my meeting with the neurologist.
So, the fusion was a success, but the x-lift, not so much.
I still have stenosis and compression of nerves.
It is amazing (Thank God) that I don't have pain!
He did offer to do surgery to relieve the pressure.
It is done as an outpatient, but the only a 50% chance it will work and there IS A CHANCE, not matter how small, that the horrible pain I lived with MIGHT RETURN.
NO GUARANTEES (or even promises).
I am NOT READY TO TAKE A CHANCE AT THIS POINT!
In the meanwhile, I have an appointment for a 2nd opinion with s vascular doctor as to why my feet are turning purple and what to do about it.
The podiatrist said that I could lose my toes if they become infected!!!!!!
Just waiting for this doc's office to call.
As the doctor said, I am not normal nor do I follow typical text book studies.
On the road, again, I go.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@grandmar - Oh my goodness, Ronnie. You have been through the wringer, so to speak. I'm thinking of you and wishing you best outcome!

I had a blood clot in my left foot which turned purple. I had to go to the emergency room and a cardiologist saved my foot. I was in the hospital for 4 weeks. So please have your feet checked today.

@grandmar Hope you have a good report from the Dr

Thank you!
It has been tiresome, but now that I am pain free, I feel like I got a second breath!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Hi!
I went to the podiatrist to make sure my feet are "healthy."
She said the pulse was not strong at all and needed a dopler system to find it.
I will see her again, soon.
I am also going to a vascular doctor who is also a cardiologist.
When there is poor circulation in your legs, it can be poor around my heart, too.
Better safe than sorry!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@lioness Thank you!!!!!
Ronnie