Lately, I've had neck and shoulder pains chronically, so I decided to try something else. I started taking physiotherapy last week! My first session was like a spa treatment! They make you relax on heated pads for 15 minutes, then you get a neck and shoulder massage. Ahhhh. The second session, they showed my how to do core strengthening exercises that will improve my posture at the computer (plus heat and massage - ahhhh). They also showed me how to do some shoulder stretches. Today is going to be my third session! So far, this has improved my neck pains a lot more than spinal adjustments! I highly recommend physio for all the neck pain sufferers out there!

Third treatment today! yay!

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Originally posted by ZorroTheFox:
Perhaps if they had a recliner based iMac all problems would be solved.

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-racks every joint in his neck in one motion-

Ok so you got me... I know a proffesional masseuse here in town I should see what she charges sometime...

a few years back, i was actually considering quitting my high paying, low maintainence, do it with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back, tech job. the reason: i was in constant physical pain. and i couldnt figure out what was the culprit. until one faithful day when a friend stopped by and took one look at me at my desk and said, "dude, you are the poster child for anti-ergonomics! im surprised your spine hasnt collapsed in a scoliastic fit of poor posture! youre lucky your hands havent rebelled in an arthritic rage! i cant believe... etc." anyway, he went on to tell me about the wonders of ergonomics and how important they are in the work place. he also mentioned this: your boss wants you to be productive and comfort enhances productivity. so, go talk to your boss about getting a new chair. i did. and my quality of life has improved tenfold. i got a snazzy new chair (with adjustable height, lumbar, and recline), an angled foot rest, and a trackball (to use in conjunction with my mouse). and ya know what? my boss was more than happy to get me all this stuff.

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Originally posted by Super Flippy:
Well, it actually runs Microsoft WebTV, but the La-Z-Boy Explorer fits the bill in all other respects. Or you could just get yourself an iBook, an AirPort, and a comfy chair. When I was working from home, sometimes I would sit sideways in our overstuffed chair with my ThinkPad on my lap. It was a nice break from sitting at the desk. If I ever work from home full time again, I'm getting a laptop.

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*snift*
I miss being young and strong.

For my wrists, I switched to a Goldtouch keyboard. It is about twice the price of a regular keyboard, but it is vastly better for my hands. A good mouse is also essential. I use a Logitech trackball on my primay machine and a mouseman on the windows box. They seem to work well, as they are almost big enough for my hand. If the mouse is too small, I can feel the pain almost immediatly. There is a place that sells mice in a bunch of different sizes, so you can get one to fit. I can't find the URL, but a google search should do it for anyone interested. BTW. I also mounted a keyboard tray under my desk, so I could get it and the mouse at the right level. This is critical.

All totaled, it was about $1100 in equipment to make the pain go away without any appreciable change in my usage habits. Since I make my living at my computer, it was well worth it.