Pain in back of thighs

I saw a question posted here with a response from the site, but no follow up from the original poster.  I have a similar issue to what they had and I would like to see if anyone can help.

I work as a computer programmer so I am sitting all day.  I found more and more that I have pain in the back of my thighs (the right one mostly, but sometimes the left) when I sit for a while.  The pain isn't unbearable....more annoying, but I don't want it to get worse.  I don't have any numbness or tingling, no back pain, and standing provides relief.  The best are I can say the pain is in is the top of the hamstring area where my legs go over the end of the chair.  I am about 6'4" so my feet are planted on the ground, but my legs still rest on the chair when I'm sitting.

Any ideas?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

A couple questions for you first.

1. You stated that you are 6'4", how much do you weigh?
2. What type of chair do you use at work?
3. When you are seated, are your thighs parallel to the floor?
4. Do you usually have your wallet in one of your rear pants pockets?
5.  Do you have similar pain in your thighs when riding in your vehicle for long amounts of time (or on airplane flights)?


You might consider taking a look at this website:
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoTips2002/where_it_hurts/legs.htm

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[rpp124]

1. You stated that you are 6'4", how much do you weigh?
About 195lbs

2. What type of chair do you use at work?
Typical office chair with wheels and some back, seat, and height adjustments

3. When you are seated, are your thighs parallel to the floor?
They were but the pain is slightly less when I lower the height and my thighs are highest at my knees.

4. Do you usually have your wallet in one of your rear pants pockets?
No

5.  Do you have similar pain in your thighs when riding in your vehicle for long amounts of time (or on airplane flights)?
Yes, it doesn't even have to be a long period of time, I notice it driving home from work

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Based on the symptoms that you describe and the description of your work station and chair, some options to consider to reduce your discomfort:

1. Increase the padding in your chair at work.
2. At work, I recommend that you get up and briefly walk around every 45-60 minutes.
3. In your first posting, the position that you describe is one where you are sitting forward in the chair versus with your back flat against the chair's back. I recommend the latter position - to relieve the "pressure point" that you describe at the top of your hamstring.

Did you visit the ergonomics site and did this help at all?


~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[rpp124]

I did visit the site, but most of the suggestions I've already done.  I saw a memory foam chair cushion I will pick up to see if that helps.  I have a feeling I'm going to end up at the doctor's pretty soon though because its getting uncomfortable to sit anywhere for any period of time.  When I go, I'll post back here what I find out in case anyone else has the same issues.

Thank you for your advice