HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Extra PAIN from sitting at the computer ???

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/31/2008 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
That one position hurts so badly
Posted 10/31/2008 10:37 AM (GMT 0)

I get a stiffer neck, shoulders and back from sitting at the computer too long.  I get up about every 20 minutes and walk around and I also do a little stretching while at the computer.  This would help you.

Sherrine

Posted 10/31/2008 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have this problem too, and am very lucky to have a laptop now, to where I can lay down when I'm hurting or tired, and type from my bedside table :) It is definitely worth the investment when it comes to pain. . . Kind of like a good mattress or comfortable bathtub, etc :) Hope you get to feeling better :)
Posted 10/31/2008 2:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi KeepHope-

Yes, I get pain in my hands, lower arms when I write or type for any length of time. Can't sit or stand for any length of time either. I've learned to take short breaks like Sherrine said. When the fibro first hit me I would try to write in my journal and type on the computer and I would be almost in tears and have to stop.

It is better now, but still sad we can't even do the "basics" at times, like writing or typing without it affecting us- jeesh!

GamJill

Posted 10/31/2008 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah I have the same problem, but i also have IC (interstitial Cys***)which means I got to go to the bathroom alot becasue of my bladder, so that gives me breaks from the computer, and i will massage my neck that helps, And stretch at the desk like sherrine said. I knwo its hard its what i enjoy most, i miss my laptop, since my daughter accidently broke it. It was very conveintant.

Posted 11/1/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
When sitting almost anywhere, I have gotten severe pain in my sacroiliac area and then the muscles start spasming and the spasms then travel to my lower back. I also get bad hip pain if I lean forward too far.

It does depend alot on what I'm sitting on, as well. I have a coccyx cushion that I use in school and at my dinner table, which helps a little bit. But my pain got so severe, I had to talk to my PM about it. He worked with me and I put me on several meds (Lyrica, Soma, and Ultram) so that I could get through the day in class. But the chairs in class are truly terrible..even people without any back or sacral problems get uncomfortable in those chairs. But I have several cushions, a lumbar support cushion, and a small foot-stool that I bought. The combo of the meds and my cushions helps my pain alot, though some days it hurts more anyway (epecially with storms or humidity).

I am not sure, though, why I have this pain. I have a history of severe spinal stenosis, for which I've already had surgery. I do have alot of scar tissue, which causes problems. BUt I don't know why my sacral, hips, and pelvic girdle hurt so bad. Laying down, like in a recliner, also really relieves the pain.

Posted 11/1/2008 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I also find that I cramp up from sitting in one position for too long. I do spend a lot of time on the computer, but I'm always changing positions and lots of times I just stop what I'm doing and walk through the house for a bit.
Posted 11/1/2008 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
absolutely!

For about 2 months after my symptoms really kicked up, I could hardly sit at the computer. I love digital scrapbooking, but I hardly touched my program at all during that time. Even now, when I hurt more, computer work aggravates it. I notice that my muscles seem to vibrate, or tense up too much. If I'm laying down or sitting on the couch I'm ok, it's the 'tense' resting that gets to me. Driving is the same. When I don't move but I'm still tensed up I guess.
Posted 11/1/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Green Grove is right. I would not be on here near as much as I am if I didn't have a laptop. I bought a couple of tables at Walgreens that have a lip on them and many different positions, my laptop and calender fit perfect on it. I'm sitting on the couch indian style without having to bend my neck writing. My feet don't touch the floor so I also have a foot stool to change positions. If you want Santa to bring you something ask for a wireless laptop.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 11/1/2008 6:21 PM (GMT 0)

I have the same problem and I also have numbness in my right hand sometime from using my mouse too long.  My arthritis is also worse in my right hand because of using my mouse. 

I don't know what I would do without my computer though.  My dh has a laptop and I don't like the feel of it when typing.

Shannon

Posted 11/1/2008 10:15 PM (GMT 0)

My physical therapist advised that I make some changes when I'm at the computer.  Posture and positioning of the computer is very important.  A few small changes and I am more comfortable behind the computer at work.  Home has been another challenge.  I love my laptop but I don't have a comfortable spot to sit so it goes on my lap and according to the therapist, that is a no no  shocked .  Until I can figure out what to do at home, I'm just going to take more breaks.  Maybe if you do an internet search on workstations you could find some helpful advice.

Meggie

Posted 11/1/2008 11:39 PM (GMT 0)

This problem for me has been getting worse recently.  I'm on the computer all day long at work.  The pain in my neck and the burning sensaion in the back of my head really act up in the afternoon.  I've had to bring in reusable frozen ice cubes to help reduce the inflamation.  That has helped so far.  I need to try stretching and getting away from my desk more often so I don't tighten up.  Hopefully that will help even more. 

Scootermae

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply