Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Blake Handler — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 01:20:18 GMT

I love this article -- and I will be linking to it!

I'm a Microsoft consultant as well as a trained pianist -- and I've NEVER met an old piano player with "carpal tunnel" becuase we're taught how to sit properly at the keyboard.

Our standard desk height was determined for "writting" not placing a keyboard upon. And for many people "splt" keyboards actually do more damage because they use it to compinsate for the fact that they're not sitting properly!

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Pierre Gosselin — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 22:30:22 GMT

Thank you for info.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Corrine — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:29:58 GMT

Excellent presentation! Having conducted ergonomic reviews in our offices for a number of years, I cannot emphasize how important it is to follow these simple instructions. Don't wait until you have pain, rather make adjustments now to prevent future damage.

Corrine
MS MVP, Windows - Security

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

tim — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 07:01:48 GMT

You say try using a desktop mouse instead of built in notebook mouse (see typo on number 8) Using a built in notebook mouse is acualy better for you because they promot independent finger movements and since they are centered you can alternate hands. desktop mice are generaly very bad.

focusing on alternating fingers and thumbs for pressing down spacebar can help

decreasing mouse use by using hotkeys is the most benaficial chane I have found.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Steve — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 12:39:09 GMT

Oh, I wish computer desk makers would read this article. They all have the keyboard surface too high and the monitor shelf too low.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

C. McFaul — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 16:51:09 GMT

Never thought to switch my mouse to the other side. This may help my aching shoulder or maybe cause me to ache in both shoulders. I'll give it a try.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Mike — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 17:26:23 GMT

This is great information!

Do you have any information on how to properly setup a workstation if the person stands in front of a computer all day? For example a bank teller who stands all day in front of a computer.

Thanks,
Mike

re: Neck or shoulder pain?

Nick Russo Trusiewicz — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:42:06 GMT

I am a software instructor and Microsoft Office Specialist. I will be passing this article on to my students.

I experienced neck/shoulder pain and assumed it was from the way I was sleeping. It turned out to be because I switched from a trackball to a mouse when scroll wheels became available.

I now call this "sciatica of the arm." I developed a tension headache at the back of my head accompanied by shoulder pain near the neck, then pain in my back throught the entire scapula. My right arm became sore at the back through the forearm, and my right pinky went numb.

This all happened with six weeks of switching to the scroll mouse. I sought medical advice and was treated with cortisone shots in the shoulder areas, and switched back to the trackball (with my left hand).

After about six months I completely recovered and became ambidextrous with the mouse.

I am now using the Microsoft Wireless Natural Multimedia Keyboard and the excellent Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0. The keyboard has been discontinued and replaced with a poorer model with a less ergonomic layout (old-fashioned typists will like the new one better--it’s almost straight across). I bought two sets when I found out. GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN!

Recommendations:

- Follow the advice in this *excellent* article. DON"T PLACE YOUR MONITOR ON A STAND. The lower the better (within reason).
- Consider using two mice, one for each hand. This is very easy nowadays with USB. Unfortunately the IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0 is right-handed, but that's part of why it’s so comfortable. Use something else for the left.
- Keep a relaxed grip on the mouse.
- Be sure to rest your fingers on the mouse buttons and do not hold your fingers above them. If the buttons click from the weight of your fingers, get a new mouse. I have found the Microsoft models good in this respect, and the Logitech models to be overly sensitive.
- Consider a trackball (the larger the ball, the more precise - you should be able to use the three middle fingers on the ball, thumb for left button, pinky for right). It can be difficult to get used to, but it becomes very natural after some relearning. DON'T use a mouse with a thumbwheel.
- MEMORIZE YOUR KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS!

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Martijn — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 03:41:51 GMT

I can't agree with the upright position - it just looks too uncomfortable! The following link supports a lean-back approach and emphases on having more space for resting your arms. It's what I've been doing naturally for years - I'm a computer programmer and I never have any problems. Cheers!

http://www.metamorphosis.com/theoryinfo.html

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

jeycelyn — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 13:24:46 GMT

can you put all the things that is bad position when you using a computer.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

rape videos — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 17:27:12 GMT

Your article is quite right, thanks.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

ctn00740 — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 23:30:54 GMT

Excellent tips. Maybe Adjusting my monitor and learning how to use with the left hand will help me reduce my headacke and shoulder ache. It will help me to learn to use my left hand from time to time.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

Lisa — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:46:12 GMT

I am an ergonomic coach at my work and we follow these same guidelines. It is very rewarding to share these simple techniques with others in my office to help prevent them from discomfort while working.

re: Neck or shoulder pain? Try these 10 healthy computing tips

jungle mama — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 10:20:51 GMT

Good advice indeed! But the most important thing is not to get stuck on your computer!! A job has got to be done but after or before you have to sit a long time take a brisk walk outside. Clears your eyes, mind and thoughts.

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