When HN users recommended it
2 HN users recommended this between 2014 and 2018, in 3 comments.
20072026
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
2 HN users recommended this between 2014 and 2018, in 3 comments.
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
Recently I've had RSI and been having physio. My physiotherapist seems to be very experienced and pretty much right about everything. Here's what she told me:
1. Fix your posture. 2. Use ergonomic devices. 3. Exercise to strengthen your core and back muscles, and counteract your sedentary lifestyle.
Details below.
1. Posture
The main cause of RSI is bad posture at the desk. Both the way you type and use the mouse, but importantly also the way you sit.
There's little point treating the symptoms if you don't treat the cause. Looking around my workplace, I see pretty much no-one in the correct posture.
- The back of your chair should be in contact with your back, i.e. actually touching it at all times.
- You should be right under the desk. If your chair has arm rests that stop you from getting under the desk, get a new chair.
- Top of screen at eye-level (most people have this spot on).
- Keyboard a little back from the edge of the desk.
- Elbows at approximately 90 degrees
- your wrists should not be at an awkward angle as they approach the keyboard.
2. Ergonomic devices
Get a good sized keyboard. Don't use awkward keyboard shortcuts, e.g. alt-tabbing on a Mac running virtual box requires your left thumb to reach underneath the other fingers. This is bad. Re-map common shortcuts or use two hands.
Get a mouse that has a natural (hand-shake/vertical) grip. e.g.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Vertical-Ergonomic-Optical-...
This reduces the stress on your wrist. Made a huge difference to me. Check out the reviews.
3. Exercise
My physio recommended swimming, as physios so often do! It will strengthen your back and core, to help you sit up straight.
However, she also recommended walking. Walk at lunch and in the evening, to get away from the sitting posture.
This has pretty much cured my RSI. Take it or leave it! :-)
I switched to ergonomic mouse[0] at home. It takes some time to get used to it, but I've never look backed after I did.
0. http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Vertical-Ergonomic-Optical-16...
My experience:
1. Get ibuprofen for the pain.
2. Cut down on time at the machine. Use the minimum you need.
3. Stop using your phone/tablet so much.
4. Start walking as much as possible. You will not believe how much this helps.
5. Change your mouse. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Vertical-Ergonomic-Optical...
6. Go see a physio for advice on exercises.
7. Swimming for long-term strength and prevention.
It's worth adding that stress can be a significant factor, so if you're stressed you should address that too.