[rfrank]

Something something it's literally impossible to hire engineers who aren't showered in toys and treats.

But yeah, I generally agree with you. I like my fancy chair because I spend an awful lot of time in it every day, and I'm tall (6'6"), so most chairs are pretty uncomfortable for me and my lower back already sucks.

[itchyouch]

there was an article a while back about how any type of exercise movement, weight lifting to running to walking would ease up lower back pain.

Ultimately comes down to strengthening those muscles. Sitting all day atrophies the muscles. I had lower back pain for the first 30 years of my life, then started deadlifting and the back pain is gone. g'luck

[rfrank]

Staying active definitely helps, but isn't a silver bullet from my experience. Once upon a time I was a serious athlete, and it was still something I dealt with. My biggest problem is probably seated posture. I tend to slide forward in my seat so my back fits more comfortably on the backrest, or lean too far forward when I'm sitting upright. Trying to be mindful of it, but old habits die hard.

[scott_s]

Of course, the most common injury when deadlifting form slips is probably lowerback related.

I still think everyone would benefit from some strength training! Any strenuous physical activity has risk from injury, but I think that risk is better to accept than the risk from doing nothing. But it's worth looking up some powerlifting videos on YouTube for good form and cues. (I've seen deadlifting videos from non-powerlifters, and I have not been impressed.) This is a good one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5eGGZXb0Is Layne Norton is a smart, thoughtful guy and an elite powerlifter.

[CalChris]

Layne Norton is smart and thoughtful. There are others as well. Basically I learned a million time more from these guys than I ever learned in all the yoga classes I ever took.

[CalChris]

I squat ATG and my back muscles are stronger now. Before I'd complain about my back but no more. Now I'm not going to load up. But I do knock out sets at 145. Odd thing is that I don't like deadlifts. Probably personal taste.

[tthayer]

I went to work for a utility company blocks away from Puppet HQ, New Relic, Tripwire, Simple, and many others. There are tradeoffs but it has been one of the best decisions that I've made for my work-life balance in years. Perks are basically non-existent, but they ring hollow if the work isn't enjoyable or rewarding enough on its own.

[rfrank]

I know the feeling. I'm digital marketing guy for an electronics manufacturing shop, our office environments are likely similar. Occasionally I interview at startups when I think what they're doing is actually interesting, and it always feels like I'm visiting another planet. My nights and weekends are worth more than free meals and laundry.

[jpm_sd]

I'm 6'3" and completely screwed up my lower back from rowing. In 2013 I had got to the point where I could not sit down at a computer for more than 10 minutes.

After four years of swimming 3-4x/wk, my back is now totally fine! Highly recommended.

[rfrank]

Swimming is definitely something I've thought about, especially because I want to be good to my knees as well - years of outdoor basketball took its toll haha. My problem is that I find it pretty boring, so I have a hard time getting motivated. I should just do it anyway, or make some time to go to the beach or something.

[everybodyknows]

Same here. My workaround: elliptical exerciser, and a tablet with a good screen.