Working With RLS: The Problem With My Computer Chair

Now for something a little different from my normal articles. Bear with me, rarrr. (Bear sound)

I love work, except for my computer chair

It’s time to work, yay... and boo. I love work; I get to write articles and moderate for this restless legs syndrome (RLS) community and write for a sleep apnea community. Sharing my journey is something that I love doing and how I was found for this job in the first place. The part that makes me go “boo” is my computer chair.

The pain will spread to my entire lower half

Oh computer chair, once upon a time when I bought you – back in 2007 – you were so comfortable. Now, you are a literal pain for my entire lower half, not just my gluteus maximus.

The pain usually starts in my tailbone, something I injured when I was a kid and has caused me agony ever since. I can’t sit in the same position for too long before my tailbone starts to flare up. From there, the pain spreads to the back of my thighs, and the need to move my legs begins. Eventually, the pain will spread to my entire lower half throughout the time I spend working.

Air drumming with my feet offers some relief

Cue the music, literally. It’s time to start air drumming, feet only. I usually have both feet doing the bass drum because I need more action than a cymbal. I took drumming lessons for a little bit when I was 11, but my grandma didn’t like how I was being taught, so she pulled me from the class.

I find classic rock usually has the right beats for the movements I need to get a little relief.

Eventually, the drumming stops being a help, and I need to get up and walk around for a bit. Sometimes I stand in one spot and do movements similar to what I would do using a step machine at the gym using only the balls of my feet.

My poor restless legs have no choice

I wonder how long it’s been since I started work – only half an hour! I look at my legs, then the computer chair, then my legs, then the computer chair. I hear my legs plead, “Please, no, not that chair!”

Sigh. “Sorry, legs, no choice.” I begrudgingly sit down in the chair. I can already feel the ache.

It's hard to focus in an uncomfortable chair with RLS

I scoot close so that my legs can reach the footrest attached under the desk, hoping that this will be a position I can stay in for a decent length of time. Three minutes later... ugh, I have to switch to a different spot on the desk to put my feet, putting me in more of a reclined position. It’s not a proper foot spot so it’s a bit rough on my feet perched on the ledge.

Okay, focus on the work... focus on the work... focus on the... oh, for the love of... this position isn’t working anymore. Time for sitting straight up, balls of my feet on the ground, and good music.

Another item goes on my RLS treatment list

This time I just move my heels up and down to the music or a little faster if I need it. I will do this until I need to stand up for a couple of minutes again to give my lower half a break from the evil computer chair. Keep repeating this until I'm done working.

I really need to buy a new one... where is my list of things to buy for my RLS?