Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Writing – A Pain in the Neck?



Writing time is my favorite part of every day. I easily spend hours and hours lost in my fantasy world.

Fantastic as that is, I am suffering some unpleasant side effects known to many in my profession. The worst of late is a twinge in the right side of my neck.

While not terrible, it is not something I want to become chronic. So I looked up solutions online.

The source of the problem is looking down at my laptop screen all the time. This happens regardless whether I am at a table or desk, on the couch, or even at my makeshift standing desk.

One of Three Cat Trees, Mind You

Today I came up with an idea. Recently I purchased a Bluetooth connecting iClever keyboard. Then I added lower tech solutions – a stepstool and a book to raise the keyboard higher, and here you have it:

The Writing Zone

Note the book is about cat breeds. ~grin~ The paper towel and napkins are because the stepstool regularly sits on the floor and gets stepped on with my dirty sneakers.

What do you think? Do you have any suggestions for preventing neck pain and/or things like carpal tunnel syndrome?

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10 comments:

  1. Seems like you have figured out a way to make it a bit easier. I used to do this with my computer at work. I had to build up the screen to prevent the neck and shoulder ache (PAIN). When I have it while on my laptop I just walk away but I am not writing or rewriting I am just checking my blog, PINTEREST, and facebook! haha. Retired life is amazing! Hoping the built up of the laptop works.

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    1. Thanks! Retirement is bliss, for sure. I'm glad you're getting to enjoy the freedom. As for my setup, it's working at my desk right now, too. Carrying everything across the house took several trips but I needed to escape the blasted afternoon television. Be well!

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  2. That looks like a good solution.

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    1. Thanks! I did realize that I need the keyboard for some things a little more often than expected. So now I'm going to add a mouse controller to the mix before this minor shoulder twinge becomes an issue. One has to laugh at unexpected consequences. Be well! And thanks for stopping by.

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  3. How about the Bob Newhart suggestion, "Just don't do that". That was the funniest clip from his show! Just kidding, I know you love to write.

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    1. Oh, Bob Newhart was a treasure! Thank you for the chuckle and the kind word. ~hugs~ Be well.

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  4. Yes. I had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists ten years ago. I have had no issues with it since. I should have done it sooner.
    My cats would never allow me to use their tree this way. They would flip my laptop into the next county.
    But, you rock. Don't stop. Hugs.

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    1. Wow, your encouragement means a lot. My two cats are pretty old, though the one still races to the top of this tree on occasion and so I am careful during her active hours. ~grin~ Thanks for being such an inspiration. Glad your wrists are good. I tweaked an old wrist sprain this morning. ~sigh~ I'm icing it down as I type.

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  5. I regularly spend all day writing. I find that sitting straight in front of my monitor suits me - and my neck! I do prefer a pc to a laptop, infact I even have one attacked to my TV so I can dive in should something magically appeard in my mind during a soap or whatever, and that really is a comfortable place to write. My only problem however is the occasional headache.

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    1. I'm so glad you write so prolifically, Keith. You have a true gift. I hope the headaches are seldom and not severe!

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