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Posture for a Healthy Back

my.clevelandclinic.org

11–20 of 99 posts

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#11
post #2

this should be our computer desk: https://kokyun.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/5531_130311939574... this is reality (if you are working with laptop or notebook or macbook): http://www.parkavenuespine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/iS...

What about a solution like this: [1]

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKrVByT6pq8&t=14

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#12
post #2

this should be our computer desk: https://kokyun.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/5531_130311939574... this is reality (if you are working with laptop or notebook or macbook): http://www.parkavenuespine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/iS...

After experiencing wrist and back pain, I found it helpful to rotate my setup between desktop and laptop. At the office, I use a relatively ergonomic desktop setup with a keyboard draw and a 24" monitor at eye-level. If I need to work during the evening, I use a folding wood laptop table in bed (allows adjusting the laptop to proper angle) or I sit on a recliner that keeps my hands and eyes at the proper angle. I try to avoid using a laptop on a standard desk whenever possible.

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#13
post #9

I work on a docked laptop with 2 screens (3 in total, I keep the laptop open) We all have USB keyboards for if we want to have the laptop closed, but lately I've been typing with both. My left hand on the USB keyboard and my right on the laptop. My hands are a natural distance apart from one another and my shoulders are more relaxed. It means that there's uneven wear on both keyboards, but I'm quite a bit more comfor…

I have wanted an Ergodox* keyboard for a while. They would certainly solve that problem. I think your situation with the different key styles would really bother me, however. * http://ergodox.org/

It also has has mechanical switches and not cheap rubber domes:

http://superuser.com/a/366797

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#14
I've always driven with the most (comfortable) distance between me and the steering wheel. My reasoning has been that maybe I'm safer when there's more space between me and the windshield, steering wheel, etc. and that there's a tiny bit more time for that airbag to inflate should the need arise.

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#15
post #9

I work on a docked laptop with 2 screens (3 in total, I keep the laptop open) We all have USB keyboards for if we want to have the laptop closed, but lately I've been typing with both. My left hand on the USB keyboard and my right on the laptop. My hands are a natural distance apart from one another and my shoulders are more relaxed. It means that there's uneven wear on both keyboards, but I'm quite a bit more comfor…

I have wanted an Ergodox* keyboard for a while. They would certainly solve that problem. I think your situation with the different key styles would really bother me, however. * http://ergodox.org/

They are different, but similar enough not to be annoying. The feel is different, but the curve is the same and so is the actuating force, so all in all not too bad. Both Dell keyboards. You could just as easily do this with 2 USB keyboards, it's the poor man's solution :)

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#16

Something people underestimate (I think) is that having a correct posture requires having strong enough support muscles so that you can maintain said posture without getting tired, or even thinking about it. By far the biggest benefit of going to the gym has been that my core muscles got stronger, which in turn has cured all back pains I had.

Same for me! My back pain was gone almost immediately after I started working out again.

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#17

Something people underestimate (I think) is that having a correct posture requires having strong enough support muscles so that you can maintain said posture without getting tired, or even thinking about it. By far the biggest benefit of going to the gym has been that my core muscles got stronger, which in turn has cured all back pains I had.

Thanks for saying this - another reminder to do more core (got down and planked).

What exercises did you find most beneficial for strengthening?

On a related note -- I periodically do stretches where I stand on one leg and roll my hip & waist out to the side extending it behind me -- that helps alleviate tension in the side.

Similar - hanging on my forearms from chairs or those ab machines at the gym.

Pain Free (a method for stopping chronic pain) has 4.5 stars over 800 reviews @ http://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Revolutionary-Stopping-Chron...

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#18

Something people underestimate (I think) is that having a correct posture requires having strong enough support muscles so that you can maintain said posture without getting tired, or even thinking about it. By far the biggest benefit of going to the gym has been that my core muscles got stronger, which in turn has cured all back pains I had.

Agreed. I've felt an extreme difference in comfort and posture within a month after I started doing squats and deadlifts every other day. I felt more powerful and less lethargic in all my activities, walking and sitting included. These are crucial exercises that I can't recommend highly enough.

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#19
I remember seeing an electronic gizmo that would supposedly remind you to correct your posture throughout the day. Has anybody tried something like that? I feel like the gentle constant feedback might actually work.

Re: Posture for a Healthy Back

#20

Something people underestimate (I think) is that having a correct posture requires having strong enough support muscles so that you can maintain said posture without getting tired, or even thinking about it. By far the biggest benefit of going to the gym has been that my core muscles got stronger, which in turn has cured all back pains I had.

I had the same issue with shoulder slouching. The muscles that pulled my shoulders back were incredibly weak while my pectoralis minor was very tight. I ended up with rotator cuff impediments and thoracic outlet syndrome in both my shoulders. After four months of PT and consistent weight lifting my shoulders have felt the best they have been since I as a teenager.
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