Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Ergs

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the nice inquiries about my arm. As it turns out, I can join the ranks of assembly line workers and video gamers who have repetitive strain injuries. Mine is due to years of typing away at work spaces that were more aesthetically appealing than ergonomically efficient.

While the recuperation period restricts my time with the computer (this post alone will send me searching for an ice pack and a Tramadol), the good news is that not much else is off-limits. It's nice to get out and move around in the real world when forced.

For any of you currently sitting in pretty lyre-back antiques or chrome mid-century numbers while using your computer, might I suggest you check the height of your desk, keyboard and monitor for proper alignment. An injury of this sort is more annoying than painful, but it comes on without much warning and is a bitch to mend.

Photos from top: Venus de Milo, Julie Janklow's desk from Vogue Italia.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's all in the alignment, baby! I spend six hours a day on the computer and ended up with tendonitis in both arms and terrible neck pain. The solution was miraculous: raising the screen to eye level, a great but entirely ugly chair and a foot rest. My back and arms are totally fine now. And unexpectedly, fewer migraines. Also I did a few months of physical therapy and learned how to take stretching breaks.

Brilliant Asylum said...

Glad to know it eventually goes away. Thanks!

Alkemie said...

I don't even want to count the number of hours I'm at a keyboard every day. I totally agree that the monitor height and position of the keyboard is very key. What's funny is that I've been having pain on my finger tips from typing which is sort of weird to me - I must be wacking at the keys too hard. Every 3-4 weeks I go for a massage which helps the tension in my neck and shoulders.

BTW, love the wallpaper in the photo.

Hope you feel better! My father had the same issue and he is a dentist (he gets it from pulling teeth) and after therapy and message it went away and got better as well.

Robin said...

I'm too mesmerized by the gorgeous wallpaper to measure my desk height and adjust my chair.

cotedetexas said...

I hope you are feeling better soon. I had that when I was pregnant and it was horribly painful. Good luck on your rehab.

blah said...

Lovely to have you back in action! :-) and excellent post topic :-)

Suzy said...

Take care BA - we miss you!

a. said...

Glad you are on the mend...love love love the wallpaper or is it painted?

Style Court said...

Love seeing that Janklow room again :)

cotedetexas said...

Thanks for the comment - I love those circular vines too - I had never seen that before. She and her husband did the landscaping out back themselves!!!
thanks for the comment.

pve design said...

I just hear the Amy Winehouse song, No, No, No, I don't want to go to re-hab! Time to invest in a really good chair, finally have the Aeron Chair, love it.
Hang in there.

Danielle said...

I spend nearly all day on the computer and I have a raging case of carpal tunnel in my right wrist/hand. I do wear an ergo brace, however, and that makes it better. CT release is always an option, but that doesn't change the fact that I'd still be typing all day long.

My antique desk actually has a foot rest built in (it's gorgeous) and my laptop is at eye level. I do have a black mesh ergo chair that is adjustable, but I cannot raise the height too much or my knees will no longer fit under my desk.

I'm very happy that you're back. I've been missing my eye candy.

Easy and Elegant Life said...

I'm with Mrs. PvE, as much as I wanted a beautiful chair that was in keeping with the library decor, I wound up with an Aeron chair. It's incredible the difference that it makes. And it does sort of blend in somehow. Must be all that mesh.

Feel better. Smell the flowers in the meantime!

*L said...

wow that wallpaper is gorgeous

TIG said...

Hope you're feeling better :)

katiedid said...

I am so sorry you are in pain! I hope all is well soon. Nice image in your post! I am sending lots of well wishes your way! :)