Concerned about health due to computer usage

[Stringtheorist]

Over the years I have noticed increasing sensitivity in my finger joints (RSI) which began around fifteen years ago when I was working in DTP. I am convinced it is the result of spending far too much time in front of my computer using a mouse. In addition to the RSI I am also beginning to feel tired all the time (might be my age... I'm 45) and regularly need a nap in the afternoon. Over measuring my periods on and off the computer I have concluded that it is due to eye-strain. Whenever I can pull myself away for a day or two I feel quite a bit better, but my lifestyle makes this difficult.

Now this is bothering me more than ever because in addition to using the computer to work on materials for my music teaching business and all the admin that goes with that, I am becoming interested in getting into music recording and production. I am really afraid that developing a hobby or even another line of work that involves long hours in front of the computer is no good for me.

Does anyone else here suffer from similar symptoms? If you use a computer for work every day what do you to address potential health problems such as these?

[peter5992]

Not eye strain or RSI, but since late last year I am coping with severe lower back pain issues (slipped disk) which completely turned my life upside down from physically super active (running marathons, 100 mile cycle trips) to sedentary, doing only very light exercises to increase flexibility and ease pain. The cause is unrelated to computer usage, probably a wrong move at the gym.

I would recommend everyone to be very conscious about proper posture, don't slouch, get enough exercise; your health is very important. Don't sit behind the computer / mixing desk for 8 hours straight, get up and walk around etc.

[Stringtheorist]

Sorry to hear that... That's awful. I'm trying to stay fit but mostly at the moment that involves just doing weights and muscle training. I need to get outside more, as I'm sedentary by nature. What's bothering me most is that my hands constantly feel warm around the joints, like I'm wearing gloves. That doesn't seem right.

[Inductance]

A coworker and I once joked that we spend most of our days moving from one video screen to another... computer screen at work, computer and TV screen at home...

The one effect I've noticed is my posture. It becomes too easy to slouch. So I try to consciously monitor my posture throughout the day. Other than that, I take a break every couple of ours and I (try) to follow a regular workout routine.

[oleJoergensen]

The computer also send out some kind of Radiation that affects our bodies. So if possible try to move further away from the screen/computer etc. and see if that helps.... Some people uses to place a Crystal (stone) between themselves and the electronic device, it should have some positive effect. Most people think this is imagination but I think its a try worthy. The stone most be washed in cold water every day I think......

[Jason.M.Watts]

Stringtheorist,

Could be early CTS. I get those same warm sensations in my wrists occasionally, and that was how it was diagnosed for me.

Jason Watts

[franck ancelin]

interesting topic,
Currently, I use a rock salt (always plugged into a corner of my studio, so it shines to me)

It has the effect of ion balance, and reduces the effect of fatigue caused due to computers and monitors.
And do not forget to spend at least two afternoons a week to go out for some sport. The bike seems most appropriate, because it not requires violent muscular effort, depending on how we practice.
Do not forget that man is susceptible to certain electrical energy which may be negative for the organism.

[Plasuma!!!]

Some ideas:

Have your desk at the right height - too high or low and you'll damage your wrists. Your desk, or preferably just your human interface devices, should be at the same level as your elbows when you sit down.

Have your displays at the right height - too high or low and you'll have neck strain. Assuming you have your display in the standard landscape orientation, your eyes should be level with the very top of the active area of the display.

Sit on a balance ball while working - it'll be uncomfortable for a while until you get used to it, but it forces you to move constantly and make slight adjustments in order to sit still.

Use a protective screen over your displays or wear eye glasses that filter blue light - the spectrum from visible blue to UV is most straining on the eyes, and all displays have massive spikes there as Red, Green, and Blue are combined at different intensities to make all other colors. That said, use warm colors for your digital workspace.

Use a trackball mouse - conventional mice cause wrist strain, so use a mouse that doesn't require you to move your wrist. You'll also save space on your desk.

Take a break every 3 to 4 hours - do this for about a half hour at a time, don't even look at a screen while on break; reading a book is better than using a tablet or watching television if you must be sedentary, but going outside for some fresh air is much better... provided the air in your area is fresh. I feel sorry for you folks in the LA area.



This isn't a freaking "plan your life" blog, but seriously, do this stuff:

Exercise for at least 20 minutes per day - it's healthy, do it. If you don't have your health, you have nothing.

Go to bed before midnight - if you don't, you'll screw up your adrenals and feel sleepy all the time among other things, and you'll be well on your way to becoming diabetic.

Wake up early in the morning - give your mornings more time than your evenings, you wouldn't believe what this can do for your morale. Sunlight is good for you, and the crack of dawn is the perfect time to start projects: wake up, load your template in VEP, grab a cuppa and let flow the music with the warming sun at your back.

[gstitt]

In addition to the RSI I am also beginning to feel tired all the time (might be my age... I'm 45) and regularly need a nap in the afternoon.

For the tired issue, it could likely be diet. You might want to try eating numerous small meals instead of the traditional 3 large meals. I eat 7 meals a day, which is a major PITA, but it shouldn't be too bad to try 5 meals. It has made a huge difference for me. I am almost never tired anymore. Whenever I travel and have to resort to a traditional diet, I am amazed at how much less energy I have.

As others have mentioned, exercise, posture, and ergonomic working conditions make a huge difference too. I have had chronic back problems for a long time that were aggrevated by frequent computer use (or even just sitting down). Several years ago I got very serious about fitness and have been doing a ton of powerlifting for strength and yoga for flexibility, combined with the crazy diet. I still occasionally get back pain, but it is about 1/10th as bad as it used to be. I'm not sure this will help with your problems, but it is worth trying. If you want, I can provide you with trustworthy references to get you started.

[gstitt]

I would recommend everyone to be very conscious about proper posture, don't slouch,

From someone with back problems, this is a good suggestion, just make sure not to overdo it. When some people try to sit up straight, they actually overextend their spine in the opposite direction as slouching, which can also cause some serious problems. Here is a good reference for maintaining good posture:

http://scoobysworkshop.com/posture/