Braced For Impact
As a writer, I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. (I have the option to raise the platform my laptop sits on, but I concentrate better when sitting.) I’ve suffered from neck pain for many years, which long hours hunched over the keyboard don’t help! I also experience some wrist pain after long writing sessions, and occasionally lower back pain as well. I know these are minor problems in the scheme of things, but since so many of us spend time on PCs these days, I thought I’d share some of the products I use to “Brace Myself” for a day’s work. (Not getting any kick-back on these; just sharing what helps me.)
I’ve had other versions, but I really like how soft this one is. I regularly brace my right “mouse” hand and sometimes my left as well.
My poor husband! Yes, I look like a dork wearing this but it keeps me for bending my neck too far forward or down while typing away. When my neck starts throbbing, I swallow my pride and reach for this.
I have used one like the above for years. The stand allows me to raise my laptop screen to a more ergonomically correct height.
I’ve had a support like this attached to my office chair for years. Not this exact model, but close.
Shoulders back! Chest up! My dear mother tried so hard to instill good posture in me, but I’ve never been disciplined enough to master it. I don’t wear this brace daily, but during long writing streaks it helps me keep my shoulders back and avoid pain.
And finally, at the end of a long writing day, I use a cold pack like this to soothe my aching neck.
What about you? Have you found any tips or tools to help with your PC posture and stay pain-free?
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Thank you!!! So helpful!!!
I’m so glad, Patricia. Thanks for commenting!
With an almost 9-hour office day, I know these problems all too well. A height-adjustable desk (for working sitting or standing), a vertical wireless mouse and a soft wrist rest have been a game changer for me. Thank you for all your hard work and enduring the long writing hours to create such beautiful books, Julie.
A vertical mouse, hm? Will have to check those out. Thanks, Coco! I appreciate your kind comment.
My ergonomic keyboard. It makes SUCH a difference!
Might be time for me to get a new one. Thanks, Janice!
I have been suffering from wrist/hand pain for close to ten years now. I have worn the braces, the one you pictured, which helps some but also irritates my sensitive skin with prolonged use. Silly body!
I went to the doctor last year about it, and it turns out I have the start of arthritis in my hands. I was hoping for a fixable solution, but that was not the case.
I have found that making sure that my arms are level with my keyboard, wrists not bent up or down, helps the most. So I purchased a completely flat keyboard, an ultra-thin adjustable desk, a super comfortable drafting chair, and a huge monitor (for my poor eyes and neck) that work the best together to keep me in less pain. That and arthritis gel.
I may look into speech-to-text software one of these days if things get worse.
Sorry to hear about your pain and arthritis, Gena. I appreciate the tips!
Can I ask what kind of Back brace/ posture corrector you use?