Writing is hard on the body!! I have to wear wrist splints for carpal tunnel. I use an ergonomic split keyboard and an upright mouse. I have special eyeglasses. I need a chair with lumbar support....
I'm sorry about the car accident but listen to your therapist, even though It sucks to be pulled away from your writing.
When I transitioned to bifocals many years ago, I found that I was tipping my head back to read the computer screen. I had to lower the screen to make the neck soreness go away. So you may not want the screen directly in front of your face; let comfort guide your ergonomic choices. And has anyone ever successfully changed their resting posture?
Back in undergraduate days I had a rather dour friend who generally looked at the ground as he walked around campus. One day he found a twenty dollar bill. I'm sure there's a lesson there.
So many comments on your post. I have very similar issues that focus on knots in my neck and super hard shoulder muscles! And your mother dying in that chair. There’s more than one therapy session involved in that. Someday I’d like to hear that story.
The arms of my "executive" chair (purchased second-hand 11 years ago) are at the height of my desk, which was cut to my measurements to fit me. I also have the same arrangement as you: laptop, with a bigger screen on a little plinth directly in front of me, at eye height, more or less. I have had the habit of sitting bolt upright since a child, and adopted correct writing posture early, ditto typing in the days of manual typewriters.
You can stretch while sitting, which I do about every thirty minutes. I get up and stretch - back, shoulders, and legs) about every hour (while making coffee and going to the bathroom). This does not interrupt the thought process that goes into writing. I spend long hours at my desk every day, but do not suffer any bodily tension as a result, even though I have had two severe back injuries in my life.
If my schedule permits, and it usually does, I take myself off for a 15-20-minute walk around the block (very hilly where I live), and this helps clear my 61-year old head and get the blood circulating to the brain!
It is worth making the effort. You will feel better, and the effects can be positive and long lasting. All strength to you!
As a semi-retired Massage Therapist and author (I also sit for many hours a day), I've developed a personal stretch and workout plan that I can do ten feet away from my desk. The winter up here in northern lower Michigan is by far the worst one in years. Being outdoors in the whipping winds and ever-accumulating snow is less attractive. So, when I'm not massaging my clients' neck, shoulders, and hips, I give myself a stretch and weight-lift break every couple of hours. It improves my focus on writing and feels good for this 69-year-old body! Let me know how you're coming along, Bonnie!
My home office chair has been the office chair of my first sales manager in my first rep job. It was not ergonomic but it was free. It wasn’t really a problem until 33 years later when Covid took over and I started being in my office all day. I should have gotten a good ergonomic chair then but thought I’d be back out on the road again like before. Alas, not. Last fall, after retiring last spring, I finally put the chair out by the side of the driveway with a “free” sign on it. My back and shoulders and neck thank me. Perhaps your Mom’s chair could hold some books.
I completely empathize. I have been staring down at a drawing board for nearly 60 years. Everything is bent and stuck. Do I stop drawing or designing homes or do I give up? Please stop writing, you are giving us so much pleasure. Just remember to stretch, please! We need you!
Writing is hard on the body!! I have to wear wrist splints for carpal tunnel. I use an ergonomic split keyboard and an upright mouse. I have special eyeglasses. I need a chair with lumbar support....
I'm sorry about the car accident but listen to your therapist, even though It sucks to be pulled away from your writing.
You are a tough cookie! And you inspire me, working through all your afflictions, and it doesn't surprise me that you do.
I've got the same problem. I'm getting PT, but I'm basically gonna be me. After all, in 50 years neither of us will care, o sage.
When I transitioned to bifocals many years ago, I found that I was tipping my head back to read the computer screen. I had to lower the screen to make the neck soreness go away. So you may not want the screen directly in front of your face; let comfort guide your ergonomic choices. And has anyone ever successfully changed their resting posture?
Back in undergraduate days I had a rather dour friend who generally looked at the ground as he walked around campus. One day he found a twenty dollar bill. I'm sure there's a lesson there.
Well, here's an idea: https://www.writingroutines.com/famous-writers-standing-desks/
As another proud owner of a jorked-up back, I can relate.
Getting old is not for the weak.
So many comments on your post. I have very similar issues that focus on knots in my neck and super hard shoulder muscles! And your mother dying in that chair. There’s more than one therapy session involved in that. Someday I’d like to hear that story.
I am sure you have thought of this, but I will say it nonetheless: have you tried a standing desk?
The arms of my "executive" chair (purchased second-hand 11 years ago) are at the height of my desk, which was cut to my measurements to fit me. I also have the same arrangement as you: laptop, with a bigger screen on a little plinth directly in front of me, at eye height, more or less. I have had the habit of sitting bolt upright since a child, and adopted correct writing posture early, ditto typing in the days of manual typewriters.
You can stretch while sitting, which I do about every thirty minutes. I get up and stretch - back, shoulders, and legs) about every hour (while making coffee and going to the bathroom). This does not interrupt the thought process that goes into writing. I spend long hours at my desk every day, but do not suffer any bodily tension as a result, even though I have had two severe back injuries in my life.
If my schedule permits, and it usually does, I take myself off for a 15-20-minute walk around the block (very hilly where I live), and this helps clear my 61-year old head and get the blood circulating to the brain!
It is worth making the effort. You will feel better, and the effects can be positive and long lasting. All strength to you!
As a semi-retired Massage Therapist and author (I also sit for many hours a day), I've developed a personal stretch and workout plan that I can do ten feet away from my desk. The winter up here in northern lower Michigan is by far the worst one in years. Being outdoors in the whipping winds and ever-accumulating snow is less attractive. So, when I'm not massaging my clients' neck, shoulders, and hips, I give myself a stretch and weight-lift break every couple of hours. It improves my focus on writing and feels good for this 69-year-old body! Let me know how you're coming along, Bonnie!
My home office chair has been the office chair of my first sales manager in my first rep job. It was not ergonomic but it was free. It wasn’t really a problem until 33 years later when Covid took over and I started being in my office all day. I should have gotten a good ergonomic chair then but thought I’d be back out on the road again like before. Alas, not. Last fall, after retiring last spring, I finally put the chair out by the side of the driveway with a “free” sign on it. My back and shoulders and neck thank me. Perhaps your Mom’s chair could hold some books.
I completely empathize. I have been staring down at a drawing board for nearly 60 years. Everything is bent and stuck. Do I stop drawing or designing homes or do I give up? Please stop writing, you are giving us so much pleasure. Just remember to stretch, please! We need you!
You are absolutely prima!
Mais oui! But maybe not ready for toe shoes.