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Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

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Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#61

Post by wallflower »

I have RSI. The benefit of it is that it forces you to not take typing prodigiously for granted and by extension - to look at the long view of your programming career. So many people glorify in pounding out code, working hard - a 21st century pissing contest. Once you have symptoms of RSI, you are forced to think different.

It does not happen all at once. Boiling frog, eta 5 years. The warning signs are pain after a coding session, maybe a 2 or 3 on a scale of ten. However, eventually it gets worse. And your youth will act as such that the pain goes away. After a long weekend, you are recharged and re-healthy. That is a falsehood. Eventually, it gets to the point where the pain never goes away, it just subsides, constant background soreness, maybe on a 2 to 3 on a scale of ten.

Don't take your typing ability for granted. RSI can be managed but never completely cured.

The same traits that may make us good problem solvers (focus - as in not getting up, breaking that slippery, seductive state called "Flow", OCD - ignoring some things to focus, sometimes right, sometimes wrong on certain aspects, sedentary habits (biking FTW)) can make RSI an eventuality for a few.

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#62

Post by jdmichal »

naner wrote: post #58

Has anyone successfully fixed the computer guy posture? I see a lot of prescriptions and speculation (Yoga, Egoscue, Alexander Technique, weightlifting plans, stretching/foam rolling, etc) but zero evidence. At least some empirical evidence with documented workouts and continuous before/after photos would be nice. Also this PDF just ripped images off the Internet. I recognized some of them from youtube videos and boo…

This is one of those things where it's going to be 5 different people with 5 different ways of "solving" the issue, and they're all going to be right -- FOR THEM. Finding your own personal way that will work FOR YOU is the hard part.

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#63

Post by debacle »

rquantz wrote: post #45
vidarh wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not things like the lack of core strength in itself that is a problem. You are right that will improve. But if you for example go to the gym with a tight posterior chain, you will squat with a form that either hurts your lower back (been there, done that) or makes you emphasise the wrong muscles (been there, done that) and leave you with progressively bigger problems lifting correctly. Similarly, it is very easy…

But if you for example go to the gym with a tight posterior chain, you will squat with a form that either hurts your lower back... or makes you emphasise the wrong muscles... and leave you with progressively bigger problems lifting correctly. Not to say that what you ended up doing was wrong, but to me this just indicates the need for a coach, or at least doing a lot more reading before you start lifting. If you have…

A coach is just going to tell you to do the stretches that this document already prescribed.

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#64

Post by bmuon »

naner wrote: post #58

Has anyone successfully fixed the computer guy posture? I see a lot of prescriptions and speculation (Yoga, Egoscue, Alexander Technique, weightlifting plans, stretching/foam rolling, etc) but zero evidence. At least some empirical evidence with documented workouts and continuous before/after photos would be nice. Also this PDF just ripped images off the Internet. I recognized some of them from youtube videos and boo…

It's probably one of those things that vary a lot person to person. You should really find what works for you.

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#65

Post by toxik »

wallflower wrote: post #61

I have RSI. The benefit of it is that it forces you to not take typing prodigiously for granted and by extension - to look at the long view of your programming career. So many people glorify in pounding out code, working hard - a 21st century pissing contest. Once you have symptoms of RSI, you are forced to think different. It does not happen all at once. Boiling frog, eta 5 years. The warning signs are pain after a…

As a 22-year-old I have been fairly warned and for many reasons take breaks every hour and have a walk around the room. RSI is just one of many reasons to take breaks, people.

Edit: I stand up and code every now and then, and also use Dvorak!

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#67

Post by davidcuddeback »

henrik_w wrote: post #11

When you ignore (or are unaware of) ergonomic issues for years, you can get into serious trouble (like I did). I had been programming for over 10 years without any problems (and without paying any attention to ergonomics), and 7 years ago I got Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) really bad. I tried many things to get rid of it, including lots of exercises like the ones in this post, but it was very hard to get rid of. Th…

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm starting to take ergonomics seriously, and I appreciate hearing what works for others.

In your write-up on your blog, you mentioned that you used a program called WorkPace on Linux and Windows. I looked into it, but I only see a Windows version on their website [1]. After a little Googling, I found a similarly named WorkRave [2], which is available for Linux and Windows. I was wondering if you might have meant WorkRave.

I have also been saving up for a few months to buy an adjustable desk and ergnomic chair. Most easily-adjustable desks that I've found cost between $1k and $2k, such as the Humanscale Float desk [3]. I don't mind paying that much if that's what it takes, but it seems excessive. I'd appreciate pointers to any other resources for adjustable desks.

[1] http://www.workpace.com/WP:DOWNLOAD_SYSREQ:680095134

[2] http://www.workrave.org/

[3] http://shop.humanscale.com/products/product_detail.cfm?group...

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#68

Post by edj »

henrik_w wrote: post #11

When you ignore (or are unaware of) ergonomic issues for years, you can get into serious trouble (like I did). I had been programming for over 10 years without any problems (and without paying any attention to ergonomics), and 7 years ago I got Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) really bad. I tried many things to get rid of it, including lots of exercises like the ones in this post, but it was very hard to get rid of. Th…

I, too, have battled with RSI in my right hand and wrist. Things that helped:

Posture. Back straight; elbows bent 90 degrees (no less); monitor at eye level so neck is straight.

Physical therapy. Deep-tissue massage; fascia massage with tennis or golf ball; theraputty [1]; hand exercise balls [2]; and stretching.

Standing desk. Went with the DIY model, though I hear the motorized ones are choice. I switched to standing because of general health concerns with sitting, not because of RSI. However it has had tangential benefits there in that it seems easier to get the right height so my elbows are bent 90 degrees.

Chair. I still sit some of the time I'm working. The greatest chair I've ever sat on is the Swopper [3].

Keyboard. I use the DAS Keyboard [4]. It's clicky, but not ergonomic. I find the clickyness helps me use a lighter touch and still type fast.

Mouse. I use the Logitech Trackman Wheel [5]. It's long since discontinued. I bought a new-in-box specimen on ebay to replace my old one when it became unreliable.

[1]: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%...

[2]: http://www.amazon.com/Isokinetics-Inc-Hand-Exercise-Squeeze/...

[3]: http://www.swopper.com/www.swopper.com/index.html

[4]: http://www.daskeyboard.com/

[5]: http://reviews.logitech.com/7061/166/logitech-trackman-wheel...

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#69

Post by MDS100 »

MattSayar wrote: post #66

If we just follow the lifting guide posted a few days ago [1], wouldn't "computer guy posture" fix itself? [1] http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4971196

It might happen. Usually though it doesn't fix the underlying dysfunctions (doesn't target the highly untreated and tight muscles in an isolated way). From personal experience (myself + the people I train(ed)): you end up with worse problems.

Re: Fixing the computer guy posture [pdf]

#70

Post by henrik_w »

davidcuddeback wrote: post #67
henrik_w wrote: post #11

When you ignore (or are unaware of) ergonomic issues for years, you can get into serious trouble (like I did). I had been programming for over 10 years without any problems (and without paying any attention to ergonomics), and 7 years ago I got Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) really bad. I tried many things to get rid of it, including lots of exercises like the ones in this post, but it was very hard to get rid of. Th…

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm starting to take ergonomics seriously, and I appreciate hearing what works for others. In your write-up on your blog, you mentioned that you used a program called WorkPace on Linux and Windows. I looked into it, but I only see a Windows version on their website [1]. After a little Googling, I found a similarly named WorkRave [2], which is available for Linux and Windows. I was…

No, it was WorkPace. I've notied that they've stopped supporting Linux since when I got the license. Maybe bug them to see if they'll start supporting Linux again.

As for desks, the two that I have used have both been from the companies I've been working for, so I never had to buy one myslef. However, where I worked before (www.tilgin.com), everybody got an adjustable height desk (electric motor). They only bought the legs (cost a bit over 100 Euro per desk I think), and had some guys go around switching the legs on all the desks.

The brand of my current desk is www.holmbergsbordet.se but it looks quite expensive.

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