Community Newsletter: Q&A: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter
- 6/16/05 5:05 PM
Carpal Tunnel and the young
by Talinus - 6/17/05 6:59 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not just a fine album by Kid Koala, it's also an increasingly common physical ailment.
Instead of expensive mice, books, or medical treatment, I picked up a pair of grip strengtheners from a local sporting goods store. The squeezing action increases circulation, stimulates muscles, and relieves the monotony of typing, providing immediate relief from RSI pains.
We may find that, as we use computers more and more, and children start typing younger and younger, a repetitive stress epidemic may befall America in the near future. The irony is that our new cubicle lifestyles my be more dangerous than the factory jobs we have sent overseas. It will take training and education so that ergonomic input devices in the cubicle will be as common as hardhats in work sites.
is it really carpal tunnel?
by DonnaLB - 6/17/05 8:36 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Do you really have carpal tunnel? Will good ergonomics, etc. help avoid the tingling, numbness, etc? Or are there other, seemingly unrelated factors to consider?
I've worked with computers since the dual 5.25'' floppy drive days and was first diagnosed with carpal tunnel in 1990 during my first pregnancy, when my fingers swelled. I've tried a number of non-surgical remedies since then. The symptoms (finger numbness and tingling, both of which have gradually worsened) have sometimes plateaued for a period and then have gradually increased. Now the tingling feels like my fingertips are encased in sandpaper.
My latest investigations have taught me 2 things: first, certain Pilates exercises can definitely help the CT symptoms (I do a mat class weekly plus parts of it at home regularly and can tell the difference, especially when I get lazy).
Second, a chiropractor who is also expert in nutrition recently reviewed my medical history and did some tests. His diagnosis: peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage to the extremities. Same symptoms as CT (he said it's often misdiagnosed as CT), but a different cause. CT's underlying cause is mechanical. Presumably that's why surgery and good ergonomics, Pilates, etc can help. According to him, the underlying cause of neuropathy is nutritional deficiencies. (He also noted the way we do or don't absorb nutrients is herititary... and my aunt had 'carpal tunnel').
He prescribed specific vitamins and minerals and I could tell a difference for a while. Maybe long enough to get those enough in balance that other deficiencies showed up? I did some research in naturopathic arena (particularly the book Healthy Healing by Linda Page) and learned of other supplements that are supposed to help. With those I'm back to a plateau and am working to decrease the symptoms. My next visit with him is next week and I'll be very interested to see what he says.
Bottom line: don't overlook nutritional issues if you have numb and tingling fingers. If you're at the "ounce of prevention" stage, cover all bases - physical (ergnomics, exercises, etc) and nutrition.
WOW, Thanks Everybody!!
by dougjp - 6/18/05 7:31 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
All your responses just take my breath away, this is amazing. There is so much to absorb and look into. So many products I've never heard of and probably wouldn't have found through searches and certainly aren't in stores around here. Excellent advice on positioning, how many of us adjusted our chairs and monitors? I know I did. How many of us started some exercises? I know I did.
What else can I say but WOW, what a community! Thanks Lee!
Break Reminder Not Free
by pqfnb2 - 6/18/05 8:37 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I was so excited to read Dave D's mention of Break Reminder from Chequers Software, and I wanted to try it out. He mentioned that it was free for personal use, but I can't even try it out after downloading it without first paying for it.
Did someone else figure out something that I didn't?
Thanks,
Morgan
What Can I Say!! It Is Nothing But The Truth
by taruniyer - 6/18/05 9:55 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I myself am an avid computer user, why i'll go far enough to say i'm an addict, i regulary spend over 10 hours on the PC.
I myself has never suffered from carpal syndrome but i often suffer from hand back and neck pains after working on the PC.
Anyway take notice of this message as it is no joke, i use a different keyboard nuetralizer which i set to work every 30 mins. I suggest that you all do the same if you spend time on the PC.
By the way can someone tell me where i can get the so called ergonomical keyboard and mouse as well as the narrator software.
Thanks Tarun
i too have had injuries.....
by james tarver - 6/18/05 12:00 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
i have had to replace keyboards. after hours on end of sitting in front of a computer, my wife has smacked me over the head 
Carpal Tunnel good advice
by lizzyhock - 6/18/05 5:24 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I also use multiple computers 4 some days for long hour a day, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, sometimes one all day sometimes all 4 split all day, And I have noticed one in particular puts a great strain on my wrists and hands. The only one thing that is visibly different between it and the other three seems to be the heighth of the keyboard. That one is slightly lower than waist high. All the other ones are set up taller the tallest being chest high.
My advice is if you are stuck at a midgets desk try to get a taller desk, if you cannot, try to avoid putting your weight on your wrists all day long. Just my opinion from the only computer I have that causes sore swollen wrists.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
by sisyphus - 6/18/05 8:28 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As far as RSI is concerned I agree.
As far as what you call Carpal Tunnel Syndrome I do not agree that it can be classed as a ''Computer Related'' injury.
It is an hereditary condition which I, and two others of my family including my mother, suffered from.
All three of us suffered and were operated on well before we ever came into contact with computers.
This has also been the case for others that I know who have suffered the same condition.
Regards.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
by shimsar - 6/19/05 2:05 AM In reply to: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by sisyphusTrue, what you note - that this is not neccessarily a computer illness. Ny wife had her wrist operated for this and she doesn;t even touch the computer. But there are many other kinds of activities that would cause the syndrome. I don't really beleve that it is hereditary.
However with the correct preventative measures it does not have to happen. See my comments (shimsar)
Shmuel Shimshoni
Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter
by Shutterbug - 6/19/05 12:29 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Excellent advice (IF one can afford all of it). I also have good equipment. But personally, the single most important thing ever done for my thumb/wrist damage way back when was my orthopedic doctor put me in a "sleeping cast." I would put it on and wrap with Ace wrap for the night. The pain went away quickly. Any time I have ever had the slightest suggestion of that pain returning I will get that open cast out and wear it to bed. One or two nights will heal the problem. (They now do this for both hands at night with good results too.)
My physical therapist has told me to set a timer (you mention the software which is great) for about 20-30 minutes. Get up and do stretches, back extensions, lengthen all muscles (do a little Yoga). Walk around. Do something else and then come back for another session. It's the one position hour after hour that does so much damage. I know. I still can do it!
I also receive very special PT for any sore tendons and/or muscles. He does what is called a "release" (turning off the pain by a special position held to the count of 90). This is a terrific help.
I would suggest all you have advised plus having a great physical therapist and a good doctor who understands body motion and ergonomics (sports medicine is an area that can help). A good chiropractor who adjusts the atlas/axis (Grostic technique) is a must for me. So I have several modalities I depend on at all times.
And...always, always stand tall, walk with stomach muscles tight, get on floor and do back extension push ups daily (you curve BACKWARD not forward). Hold for a few seconds, breathe, come back down, do again for nine more reps. Three times per day will keep back in excellent shape, and from the back "all blessings flow." Australian physical therapist really knows about the back extension work. Robin McKenzie has two paperbacks out on how to become pain free in neck and in back. Well worth the few dollars each costs! All the instructions are in there. I believe the titles are "How to Heal Your Back," and "How to Heal Your Neck."
Good luck and thanks for a great, really fine piece of advice so well researched AND tested by yourself! What a nice place to come to find answers for our questions.
Break Reminder Soulution
by STenorio - 6/20/05 10:50 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well, the break reminder is not free. But why pay for that when you can set up a reminder in outlook to do the same thing for you?
Just a reminder that the solution to something not necessarily means you have to download a piece of crap from the internet.
Computer Related Injuries
by lbott - 6/21/05 4:57 PM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Like you, I worked for about 20 years on computers. Starting at installing the wiring and ending with my duties being at least 90% on the computer, for the State, before I my arms suddenly went kind of numb. I had been an advocate of Ergonomics since 1986, but they didn't know a lot back then, and it was too expensive unless you file Workers' Comp claims, then they buy you what you need. Too bad, it's too late!
Fortunately, I heard my keys drop or it would've been an even worse day! That was March 27, 1997. As of 06/20/05, I've had double-cervical discectomy with fusion, for two ruptured discs in my neck (C5-C7 supposedly the worse ones, they cause quadrapelegic paralysis {sp?}), two bone chips removed from pressing into my spinal chord, bilateral carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel (I'm waiting for the left wrist to be done next month, but the surgeon says he can't do anything for my elbows due to the length of time that I kept reinjuring myself, more later).
I thought my headaches would go away after the cervical disc., but they're back. They're not so bad that I wake up vomiting, but they're getting worse. I now have to go in for a brain scan for tumor(s), located behind the eyes, possibly.
I too am recieving Vocational training for web design, so I thank you for the recommendations for hardware and software. I have already gotten the Dragon Naturally Speaking 6, and had been told about the recorder. I plan on getting that with the money I'm saving on getting used school books instead of new, when ever possible.
I now know that the phrase "During hard times, you learn who your true friends are." is really true! Out of many people I thought were my friends, I only have one left since leaving my job on 11/23/01. I guess their jobs are more important.
I lost my house one week after my employer finally admitted I had work-related injuries, and started paying me Temporary Disability, which I'm still getting, due to my claims adjuster denying everything at least once or twice. Also, I only recovered about 30 to 40 percent of my functions following the discectomy. My surgeon thought I'd recover at least 65 to 75%. He was optimistic. HaHaHa.
I finally was approved for Social Security, retro-active for only one year, in 2003. But after paying off all the bills accumulated, I didn't have enough left over for a down-payment on a new place. So, at almost 50 years old, I'm renting apartments again.
Oh, and the greatest thing to happen since 2001, is still to come! I had Credit/Disability Insurance on my two main Revolving Credit accounts (I don't know about the libel laws, so I won't mention the company names, but they are very well known). Both started paying after I submitted my claims.
However... one of the insurance companies refused to pay more then 1% of the Balance due, a couple months later, they refused to pay more then 1% of the Principal due, a few months later, about one year since I filed my claim, they refused to pay anymore, stating that I had used up all the insurance (I paid premiums for 12 years!), then they said they had paid all they were going to pay because I had gotten a cash advance the two months prior to my claim being filed (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mortage, Taxes), then last year, they sent me a settlement agreement that I signed, and they paid me $231!
Last month their collectors started calling me again, threatening me, telling me that I never signed the agreement or received the $231! Now I have to file a Small Claim against them, to get them to leave me alone.
The other insurance company paid the full monthly payments due for 18 months, then stopped. I called to find out when the collectors started calling me two-three months later. They said that they had paid the maximum benefit allowed per the contract! This just happened to coincide with the other company's complaints too! Hhmmm, very interesting.
I tried to explain that I had been misdiagnosed at first, but now I was recieving the treatments and Carpal Tunnel Release... that had originally been talked about. The representative said they'd send me a new claim form to file.
A few weeks later I received a letter stating that they would not accept another claim on my account. Now I'm getting calls from their collection agencies and have been threatened with more serious actions, which I took to mean they'd be filing a suit against me. So now I have to file a Small Claim against this company too!
What's going on in this country? Is it pick on disabled people or what? I have been to Workers' Compensation Appeal Board, at least 4 times that I can remember since 1999. Every time my employer admits I have work-related injuries and offers a settlement, or agrees to pay for additional surgery, therapy, and my Vocational Rehabilitation.
Last month, I had to go see the Workers' Comp doctor, the same one that saw me before, and lied about my conditions. This time, I took my son and a Voice-Activated Recorder and recorded the entire exam, 15 minutes, max. The report that was submitted by him, finally the truth, agreed that my condition had worsened since 1999, that I needed further surgery and therapy, etc. For once, I don't have to go back to court!
The surgeon and I are optimistic about my being able to work after we're all done with surgery, therapy, and Voc Rehab, but never to the same job/employer. So, my employer retired me, retro-active to when my benefits and donated leave had been expired, 06/01/02. So I could keep my medical and dental benefits, thanks to COBRA. After all the payments, benefits, and donations were calculated, and I was awarded the permanent disability, Social Security agreed to only one year retro-active, but I'm finally receiving enough money to live on.
However, after all the surgery and therapy are done, I will loose $1400+ per month, and will be just above poverty level, again!
Hopefully, I will be able to find a good job as a Website Designer or Graphic Designer after I finished with my Voc Rehab and get my certificate. I had offers from a couple of independents back when I conducted a survey of local employers. Let's hope they still want/need me, it's only been two years, so far.
I hope this opens the eyes of people, either the employer or employee.
I also appoligize for this being so long. I believe people need to know about this stuff. Please forgive my spelling and grammar, I'm really tired right now.
Laura
Injuries that we thought never existed
by bryboy317 - 9/10/05 12:36 PM In reply to: Computer Related Injuries by lbottThese sort of injuries are only normal in nature. In the earlier days we took such things for granted and it is only now that we are giving due emphasis on the importance of small things that are becoming critical parts for our daily productive lives.
Avoid Injury while Working Long Hours on Your PC !
by chris_3503 - 10/2/05 11:51 AM In reply to: 6/17/05 Computer-related injuries are no laughing matter by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello everybody,
Anybody is suffering with ergonomic problems? and u want to be aware with those type of problems visit this site[URL=http://]www.safecomputingtips.com[/URL] here u gonna get a good idea about ergonomic problems and how to be aware with those type of problems.In this site they described in detail about office ergonomics,laptop ergonomics,computer ergonomics, computer workstation, [RSI] Repetitive Strain Injury, [CTS] Carpal Tunnel Syndrome etc. ok then hava nicetime.
from
chris
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