Comments on: Quick Tips to Help You Avoid 5 Types of Writing-Related Pain

By: Pauline Wiles

Pauline Wiles — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:16:09 +0000

Thank you for these excellent reminders; I shared this article today with my email list. I've been having miscellaneous aches, including my elbow, and for me I'm sure it's a message to work less and move more. For my hips, I've had a lot of success sitting on a balance ball instead of a chair. I was previously crossing my legs and slouching - the fact that I now risk falling off the ball has made me much more aware of my lower body! I would suggest caution, though - never sit down without checking the ball is in fact still behind you :)

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:40:17 +0000

In reply to Anna Chapman.

Thanks, Anna! I haven't tried any left-handed ones, obviously, but I do see that Amazon has a couple with several good reviews on them. Economical enough to try? And you can still rest your hand on them. https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-XT4DRBK-Wireless-Trackball-Left-Handed/dp/B016QCPRBM

By: Anna Chapman

Anna Chapman — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:19:46 +0000

Good suggestions, Colleen.
The trackball mouse you link to is right-handed. (We live in a dextronormative world, alas.) Can you---or any reader or commenter---recommend a left-handed mouse? They are not hard to find, but a personal endorsement would be helpful.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:57:49 +0000

In reply to Lisa Norman. Wow that's amazing, Lisa. Smart to be careful of the positioning of the screens--phones put strain on our necks too. Yes the moving really is the best solution of all. I have a full-sized treadmill in the basement, but just recently got the new (smaller) one I was telling Jenny about to have in my writing area and I'm loving how much it's helping me to move more (while working) and how it eases back and leg pain. (Will have a post on WW on that on 4/18). Good luck!

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:50:34 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen.

Thanks, Jenny! Oh yes, I can see how that would strain your back. I found a back brace that saves me (talk about it here with link: https://youtu.be/ILAwMGGVlqQ) that might help? I also just got a folding treadmill (easier to hide away) with a desk over it that I'll be talking about on Writing and Wellness that I LOVE for working while taking pressure off the back. (NOT ridiculously expensive either like many "treadmill desks.")

As for the slouching, a friend of mine recommended the "posture shirt" (here: https://alignmed.com/). He swears by it for helping posture/prevent pain while writing.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:45:20 +0000

In reply to Denise. Thanks, Denise! Wishing you pain-free writing. :)

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:28:51 +0000

This is fantastic information! Thank you! Years ago, I worked for a chiropractor and he could tell me where my monitor was positioned based on touching my neck. That was the first I'd learned about ergonomics, but his help has made a big difference for me. All of my screens are arranged carefully. But now I'd like to transition to doing more standing. I don't move enough... but I have got a little elliptical under my desk that helps me get some movement.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:36:45 +0000

I love this post, and I think I need a coccyx pillow! I have a unique challenge -- I have a clotting disorder and need to have my feet up when I'm sitting. This puts a lot of strain on my lower back sometimes, so I have learned to stretch and move pretty often.

My other problem is I often slouch when I'm deep in the writing zone. Do you have a correction for that bad habit?

By: Denise

Denise — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:02:17 +0000

great advice

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 21:02:04 +0000

In reply to Eldred Bird. Ha ha. Thanks, Eldred! Yes that's another post. :)