Re: Health Problems Related to the Geek Lifestyle

From: Fielder George Dowding <fgdowding@iceworm-enterprises.net>
Date: Thu Apr 06 2006 - 00:34:24 AKDT

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Hmmm... I have pointed out that learning on a mechanical typewriter has
saved me from the horrors of carpel tunnel syndrome. Greg is right that
ergonomics, that is posture and technique are everything, but my
observation is he and everyone else is off base in suggesting wrist or
forearm rests. The sad thing is too many computer installations are on a
regular table or desk with the keyboard too high. Observer a proper
typing return on a secretary's desk. It is about three inches lower than
the writing surface part of the desk. I have the keyboard on which I am
typing on the writing surface but I have my chair at maximum height
which compensates. I also have an IBM Model M keyboard - clicky keys
requiring a rather stiff stroke. When I keyboard, my wrists are in line
with my forearms so there is no additional pressure on the carpel tunnel
from a) wrists at an angle, or b) a wrist rest.

(sigh!) fgd.

Greg Madden wrote:
> On Wednesday 05 April 2006 18:49, Damien Hull wrote:
>
>>This was on /.
>>
>>http://www.carotids.com/lifestyle/health-problems-related-to-the-geek-l
>>ifestyle/
>>
>>Here's the carpal tunnel section.
>>
>>http://www.carotids.com/con/con-does-computer-use-cause-carpal-tunnel/
>>
>>Could those of you who have carpal tunnel or similar health problems
>>comment on this?
>>
>>I would like to know if my excessive computer use will give me carpal
>>tunnel or not. I do have a slight pain in my mouse hand/wrist/arm. My
>>left hand/wrist/arm isn't as bad but there is also a slight pain.
>>
>>I would like to avoid a trip to the doctor.
>
>
> Ergonomics is everthing if you spend hours using a computer. I found using
> the mouse is part of wrist/hand,elbow,shoulder problems.
>
> In my case I ignored the wrist pain, it went away and then it was the
> elbow. I ignored that and my shoulder ended up taking all the abuse. 8
> weeks of PT to get my shoulder loosened up.
>
> Use the mouse as little as possible, use the keyboard & key bindings,
> support your whole arm , from the wrist up to the elbow in some fashion
> so there is no using your body muscles to support the arm. Get a chair
> that has lumbar support & height adjustment, the height adjustment will
> go along wit the support of the arms.
>
> I am sure Adam has some additions concerning keyboarding.
>
> Good Luck

- --
Fielder George Dowding, Chief Iceworm .^. Debian/GNU Linux
dba Iceworm Enterprises, Anchorage, Alaska /v\ "etch" Testing
Since 1976 - Over 25 Years of Service. /( )\ User Number 269482
                                            ^^-^^ "irad" 301256
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.2.2 (GNU/Linux)
Comment: Using GnuPG with Thunderbird - http://enigmail.mozdev.org

iD8DBQFENNKO2kl99FX0AIkRAp0gAJ9Id+4IXbwFiuitfpDObT4GGGOotgCeN2pU
bkD7ht8Dxk84k/uUINWx4tE=
=B/j2
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
---------
To unsubscribe, send email to <aklug-request@aklug.org>
with 'unsubscribe' in the message body.
Received on Thu Apr 6 00:34:56 2006

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.8 : Thu Apr 06 2006 - 00:34:56 AKDT