131–140 of 245 posts
But suddenly the curling "clicking" movement of my index finger stared causing extreme pain. Still does, to this day, even making that movement in the air. Typing is fine for some reason.
Transitioned to full-time TrackPoint use (USB ThinkPad keyboard), or TrackPad on my Macbook when I'm not at my desk.
I had to quit programming for six years because of an RSI. In attempt to get around it, I even spent a year and half (painfully) writing a new kind of 'higher level' text editor better for use with motion sensors [1]. Now it's been ten years, and I still don't exactly know what the cause was/is, though I've got it to a point now where it's at least tolerable. I think the most confusing factor here is the (potential)…
It's been 10 years since then. I now have zero problems, no special exercises, no ergonomic keyboards, chairs, desks, etc. I also regularly play ARPGs like Diablo 3 and Path of Exile, which make most people with RSI cringe.
I agree that Sarno's framework is not perfect. I'm not sure I buy his explanations as to why it works, but it does work. The key is that there is a huge mental component to RSI (or, at least, to some cases of RSI) that most people don't acknowledge. The monitoring/worrying about damaging yourself does something to those muscles/tendons that builds up over time.
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I bought a power cage and a barbell so I could lift in my basement. Wasn't a huge fan of the gym either. Never enough squat racks, and I felt bad locking one down for an hour.
What are you doing at a squat rack for an hour?
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My experience is that vertical keyboards only alleviate some problems and even cause new ones. They do relieve pressure from the ulna and radius being in a twisted position and they obviously relieve pressure from the side of the hands. On the downside, they put strain on the shoulders and neck since the arm is held freely in the air for prolonged time. Vertical keyboards also don't help with issues due to spreading…
Get a better chair with adjustible armrests lifted to desk height so your elbow is always supported.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I bought a power cage and a barbell so I could lift in my basement. Wasn't a huge fan of the gym either. Never enough squat racks, and I felt bad locking one down for an hour.
What are you doing at a squat rack for an hour?
I had to quit programming for six years because of an RSI. In attempt to get around it, I even spent a year and half (painfully) writing a new kind of 'higher level' text editor better for use with motion sensors [1]. Now it's been ten years, and I still don't exactly know what the cause was/is, though I've got it to a point now where it's at least tolerable. I think the most confusing factor here is the (potential)…
- If you are in pain, stop what you are doing. Be it working, stretching or exercising.
- Keep your wrists straight using a wrist brace, at day and night, until the pain goes away. There are soft braces specific for night use. One for day use that is not invasive is: https://www.amazon.com/BRACE-RCA-Treatment-Support-Regular/d...
- You can test your wrist posture by putting a pencil on your wrist. Your wrist should be straight. I emphasize this because it's one of the most contributing factors to RSI.
- Therapy alternatives include: physical therapy, medication, acupuncture. I did not try the acupuncture personally. Physical therapy was greatly useful, especially the stretches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKOpnqvttI
- Use the right keyboard. A short keyboard helps your elbows, a mechanical keyboard helps your fingers. Ergonomic keyboards as well as vertical keyboards did not yield results for me. Even when used under the supervision of an ergonomist.
- Exercise does help. Muscles comes in pairs. Typing makes you contract your muscles more than you extend them, creating a muscle imbalance that contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome. These products help: https://www.amazon.com/PROCIRCLE-Finger-Stretcher-Resistance... , and when you need more: https://www.amazon.com/Strengtheners-rehabilitation-Equipmen...
Finally, see this as an investment. To be injured for life will put your career in jeopardy. Invest in your health.
Also, years ago I started using a trackball mouse instead of a normal mouse (or the laptop trackpad which is the worst for my wrist). It has helped a ton.
I had to quit programming for six years because of an RSI. In attempt to get around it, I even spent a year and half (painfully) writing a new kind of 'higher level' text editor better for use with motion sensors [1]. Now it's been ten years, and I still don't exactly know what the cause was/is, though I've got it to a point now where it's at least tolerable. I think the most confusing factor here is the (potential)…
However, I don't agree with Sarno's view that the mind uses pain as a diversion from psychological or emotional issues. I think it uses to pain as a way to get our attention, to let us know that we need to deal with those underlying issues.
This article is totally missing the basics. Exercise. I promise it will make ALL the difference. Get yourself a pull-up bar, and if you're feeling extra fancy, a dip bar. Push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and sit-ups. Every day. You'll be a coding machine. At the VERY least, push-ups. Every hour or two, take a break, knock off ten push-ups, walk around a bit, get some water, get back to work. I'll do this right at the office…
I agree that exercise and sleep are keys, but I do believe chronically cold hands is a serious problem that needed to be remedied.
That said, the suggestion about fingerless gloves is spot-on. Some folks just get cold easier: For me, cold hands could just be related to hormones (female here). Chronic due to the recurring nature of it all, but seriously not a big deal.