I work in an office setting and as a result, need to be on my computer for extended periods throughout the day. Since before I started with my current company, I've had lower back pain issues, which are likely exacerbated by sitting on my duff all day. As such, I find myself going to a chiropractor with some regularity to get adjusted.
I have attempted things like trying to make it a point to walk around more often, but it hasn't really helped in reducing the frequency of my chiropractor visits.
Our office layout is unusual because I sit in an office on the periphery and my desk area is literally a combination of a folding table and another desk that's probably a good 20 years old. In the center, there's a cubicle farm which includes desks that have the ability to go up and down via a hydraulic mechanism. From discussion with a colleague, we apparently got those desks from a client that defaulted on a bill. I've not been able to find anything comparable on my own and those desks are pretty much built into the cubicle.
The layout is like this due to the company's hierarchy, so moving myself to a cubicle with one of the hydraulic desks is not likely to be received well.
Prior to Thanksgiving last year our office was expanding and thus purchasing additional furniture, so it seemed an appropriate time to ask my manager about getting an adjustable desk so that I could transition between standing and sitting when I wished like those in the cubicle area. I followed up on the matter prior to Christmas and still haven't gotten a response. Both times I was told he'd discuss it with the other managers and get back to me.
I don't want to tick off my manager on this, but I suspect the issue for management is the cost. From my own research, I could not find an adjustable desk that met the needs of my job for less than $500 since everything that does that is motorized. I haven't been able to find anything comparable to what's in the cubicle area.
Another person in the company actually purchased a motorized adjustable desk for himself, using his own money. From a discussion with him, he didn't ask anyone, he just did it.
I have considered re-phrasing the argument as a disability issue, though, my pain is not disabling; but on the same note I'm also not interested in letting it decline to the point that it becomes debilitating. Also, I'm not sure if presenting it in this way is likely to come off as overly forceful akin to threatening a lawsuit.
I very much like my company and am not interested in pissing anyone off. But I would like to have less back pain.
I've only really researched the cost and generally conveyed a preference to have the option to transition between sitting and standing (have not provided specifics on my particular health issues). Are there other arguments I could be putting forth on this type of issue which are likely to compel management to act?