Do you pay attention to ergonomics and your time on the computer?

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   Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years ago

   Do you pay attention to ergonomics and your time on the computer?
   
   Last time I had a check up with my doctor, he said I have minor curvature of the spine I just realized the other day that when I am on the computer, I ofter rest my left elbow on the desk with my chin on my hand - now that puts me bending far to the left ... hmmm... so my spine is curving that way.  I also know that if I do not rest my arms after so many minutes, my wrists get achy and my neck and shoulders tense up.
   
   Do you pay attention to your posture when on the computer?  Do you do exercises or yoga to help your flexibility and fitness?

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   chef-de-jourposted 9 years ago

   Yes I am aware Phyllis. I'm pretty sensitive to how long I stay at the computer. Although I don't resort to timing or anything as specific as that, I have an inbuilt alarm clock that means on average every half hour or so I shut down completely and go do some exercise or physical act.
   It's incredibly easy to fall into unhealthy routines when writing because we tend to become overly focused on the job at hand - you know, the idea that 1500 words MUST be completed before I leave the keypad, that sort of thing.
   Discipline is needed when writing yes,but a balance has to be struck between writer satisfaction, knowing you've worked hard enough, and common sense applied when it comes to our health!
   I hope you're not in too much pain. Perhaps you'll have to change position or get a new chair or desk.

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Good for you, Chef. You have some great ideas and habits. Yes, maybe a new chair would help. Fortunately I am more aware now of the importance of paying attention to my body's messages and will develop better habits regarding computer time. Thanks.

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      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Nice help for Phyllis, chef-de-jour.
      
      You should not get dizzy. Check supplements or tablets you may be taking, or have a scan. Perhaps you can also reduce your hours but check the other things first.

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   KathyMcGraw2posted 9 years ago

   Unless I am working on images I like to sit in the recliner with my head supported and the laptop on my knees.  It's so much more comfortable than sitting at my desk, and I am sure much better for my neck.
   I think the effects of too much computer time will show later if we aren't careful and at least take breaks, raise our eyes from the screen and stretch our hands.
   
   For me, I had an injury that prevented me from typing for a long time, so now that I can type I look at it as a gift not to be squandered

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Kathy. You are right - every little physical thing we are able to do should be seen as a gift. It is a gift for me to be able to type and create stories, poems, etc. Thanks.

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   joween18posted 9 years ago

   First, I would like to say that I am using a laptop PC, which makes me don't stick to a spot for a long time.
   
   Now, back to your question Ms. Phyllis Doyle, I do pay attention to my posture when using my computer. I use computer a lot. About 8 hours a day non-stop, just browsing the web, watching videos, and reading random hubs and articles.
   
   Using a mobile PC is somewhat convenient for me since I can easily move it anywhere I wanted to. Ultimately, I like using it with a low table with myself sitting on the floor with my legs bend, or much like a fetal position but using a computer on top of a table, can you imagine that? hehe I find it hard explaining it... But yeah, I also do experience back-aches, neck-aches but the most common, and probably the most severe I can experience is dizziness. It usually happens when I'm using my PC while lying on bed... and sudden movements I made makes me feel a bit dizzy.
   
   Anyway, in general, I tried to discipline myself in using this machine but since my way of life are primarily on the web right now so be it... Hope, I can just graduate and find myself a job not in the cyberworld so that I can limit my time facing the computer.
   
   If you have the budget, you can change a more comfortable chair or a computer table. That would somewhat solve the problem, and this might also be useful for you, I just found this on the web by the way.  Link: http://www.lower-back-pain-toolkit.com/ … nomics.jpg

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi joween.  Good news! I am getting a laptop soon.  Thanks for your contribution to the question.

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   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   Well, Phyllis,
   
   I have already mentioned the back problem. By Guru's Grace, it gives me some two years respite, but it reminds me of its presence, and definitely more so recently.
   
   Computer wise someone gave me a very nice computer chair. Even so I have a lot of pain in the fingers. I have changed the fingers that I use for typing but they all still hurt. So I try to type softly on a somewhat stiff and sticky keyboard. My pins and needles, and sensitive nerves still play up though.
   
   About the neck and shoulder problem, the vari-focal lenses are not the best. Computer glasses are the best and you need to ask for that extra dimension when you buy glasses. It makes a huge difference.
   
   If you have any suggestions for my poor fingers, then do let me know. Cheers.

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Manatita. I make an herbal liniment that helps.  16 oz. rubbing alcohol, 1oz. ea leaves of eucalyptus, bay, rosemary, 1/2 oz. lobelia in jar with lid for 2 weeks, turn jar ea day end to end. Strain into empty rub alcohol bottle. Label and date.

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