Hi Sarah:

I guess this, at least, in part, explains why I haven't seen you at our Berkeley meetings.  I have a high-back, black leather, multi-ergonomic chair (multiple ways of adjusting), which I also add a neck cushion to in order to position my head properly while leaning back.  I bought mine at Office Depot, which I think is the best place to find less-expensive but good desk chairs.  I literally sat on each one and adjusted them as needed to see which would work best.  It helped to have someone else with me, as well.  

Something else you could do is what I have done, which is to take a board of some kind,  (I happen to have had a long piece of Styrofoam that I covered in fabric) to make a sort of plank out of.  I rest the back end on the arm of my desk chair and the opposite end on the table.  I put my mouse and my right arm on it.  This way, I can completely lean back on my chair, low-back, neck and all, while still being able to use my mouse without reaching to the desk.  

The chair I recommend is one that adjusts in as many ways as possible:  seat height and angle, arm width and height, back height and angle, and every combination thereof.  This is what has really made the difference for me.  I think you will fit most of the chairs better than I did because you are tall.  I think mine retailed for a little under $200, but buying it on sale and with a $50 savings certificate someone else gave me, I got it for a really good deal.  I think the regular price would still have been worth every penny.  It's the smartest investment I ever made and the most comfortable seat in my house.

Regarding the keyboard height, the only thing I can think of is one of those desks with the pull-out keyboard drawer.  I happen to prefer my keyboard and monitor on the same height, but that might work best for me, because I'm short.  You could alternately, raise your monitor by sitting it on something, which I do believe they have at office supply stores.

I also strongly recommend you get up and move around, do some stretching and such, at least every hour, if not every 1/2 to 1/4 hour.  You can also do some neck, shoulder, and upper back stretching and range of motion exercises while sitting (or standing) and do them often so you aren't in one position for very long.  If you have to set an alarm for every 1/2 hour or so to remind yourself to stretch and move around, so be it. 

Good luck.  I hope this helps.  If you'd like the model name of my chair, I'd be happy to give it to you.  I bought it several years ago, so a) they may not carry it anymore or b) they may have even better ones.  Oh, I also use foot stools under my desk but again, I know for me that's necessary because my desk and chair are high and my legs are short.  Be creative where necessary.

Deborah R.


At 02:07 PM 5/26/2008, you wrote:

I've been messing myself up (especially my neck) doing a lot of writing on my computer. I'm 
thinking of getting a chair that has neck support, because I'm too tired to maintain good 
posture all the time. I was wondering what other people have found with this. I also think I 
would like to have my keyboard farther down, closer to me. I have everything on a flat table 
now. I have called someone who does ergonomic consults but they are expensive (although it 
might be worth it, I wanted to hear from anyone in the group who has dealt with this).

Thanks
Sarah

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