Stitching, Quilting, Crochet... my little hobby world
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Check your posture!!!
If you are reading this, then you are most likely sitting at a desk in front of a computer. Check your posture!!!I had my appointment with Dr. Sports Medicine this morning, and really should have guessed where he was going when he asked me if I'd been a web developer for more than 6-7 years. He called it 'Silicon Valley syndrome'. And basically it means that over the years, sitting at my desk, my posture (which I had thought wasn't TOO bad until this point) has deteriorated, stretching the muscles in my shoulders and upper back, causing them to tighten and become weak. The muscles in my chest have become drawn, causing my shoulders to droop forward, creating a strain on my neck and upper back. Basically, he said that any (even unnoticeable) movement that put a strain on those muscles could have caused the spasms that started last week.
I have some shoulder and upper back stretches and exercises that I have begun doing today (shoulder rolls, etc.), and I start physical therapy Friday. I really should have known when I went back to work on Monday and felt the shoulder muscles tightening and straining as the day wore on that my posture was not so good. At least we have recognized what is wrong, and I am taking steps to strengthen my back and shoulders and correct my posture.
This is your Public Service Announcement: please take a moment to get up from your computer and stretch - even go for a walk - and be aware of your posture when you sit back down at your computer again! Take frequent breaks - I've learned my lesson.
Comments:
Thank you for the wise advise, Melissa. I guess we can count in those breaks too when it's about hours and hours non-stop stiching and quilting...Ann.
# posted by 
: August 24, 2005
: August 24, 2005
Yikes! I started reading this and realized that I'm all slouched over my desk (and really too close to my computer screen too but I'm in a temp location). Anyway, glad to hear your back problems weren't anything major and I hope you'll feel better soon.
# posted by : August 24, 2005
: August 24, 2005
Thank you so much for caring enough for us to share your new found wisdom! I for one really appreciate it, since I am in front of a computer 90% of my work day! You are a good friend! Thanks again!
# posted by : August 24, 2005
: August 24, 2005
It is good that it is something that you can take care of. Hope your back gets stronger and better soon.
:)
:)
Glad to hear that your back problems aren't as severe as they could have been. Hope the exercises and change in posture help.
I need to forward this on to my DH. I am always onto him about his posture. He is developing a noticable "hump" when he is sitting down because he automatically goes into his "computer hunch". Maybe your experience will help him wake up and sit up straight.
I need to forward this on to my DH. I am always onto him about his posture. He is developing a noticable "hump" when he is sitting down because he automatically goes into his "computer hunch". Maybe your experience will help him wake up and sit up straight.
