Ergonomic equipment for work

Like so many others I experience neck pain and back pain.

I go through this regiment everyday from pills to stretching etc.

My questions is about ergonomics. Anyone out there with neck and or back pain? What type of set up do you have.

I dropped my arm rest down lower and lowered my monitors and have them directly side by side so easy eye movements can view both screens.

Any equipment recommendations?

I think I may have arthirtist in my neck. I have seriously been in 10 car accidents, 3 of which were telephone poles head on and one rolled vehicle. Fast cars, beer, and teenagers don't make a good combination.

I think a lot of what I went through in my past is catching up with me.

Any ideas would be most welcome. Thanks

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Everyone

For that type of pain, you're going to need a good chair. Unless your employer is getting ready to replace ALL chairs in the office, good luck with that one. Even then, good luck getting them to spend a little extra on a good ergonomic one.

I've been a huge fan of ergonomic keyboards for the longest time. I'm typing this on a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 right now.

I was a little disappointed when I was told I could not get one for my new job, I mean come on we make the freaking things.. but nooo, it's not the "standard" says the admin lady... not possible to order me one that isn't the standard.

Roguetadhg

i bought my own chair, and brought it in. You can't buy a keyboard and bring in it?

most of my pain revolves with my fingers.

Everyone

Roguetadhg wrote: »

i bought my own chair, and brought it in. You can't buy a keyboard and bring in it?

most of my pain revolves with my fingers.

I have one already... it's the principal of the matter.

I work from home so it's not like anyone is going to see that I have an ergonomic keyboard. The best part was the lady telling me she couldn't order one for me, had one.

N2IT

Any recommendations on chairs?

Everyone

N2IT wrote: »

Any recommendations on chairs?

Serta Executive High-Back Chair, Black

That's the chair I bought for my home office. It fit my budget at the time, and has been an awesome chair.

I don't know what brand/model they were, but I've had some awesome mesh ergonomic chairs with all sorts of adjustments before... Government job, the chairs were like $1500 or something crazy like that. I can't see myself spending my own money on one, but they were really great chairs.

N2IT

That looks like a nice chair!

Balantine

There are websites about this type of information: OSHA Ergonomic Solutions: Computer Workstations eTool

The main thing is probably chair height and monitor height. Don't slouch! Sit up straight. Weightlifting can also be a form of stress relief because you're consciously contracting certain muscles. If you can work it into your schedule a nap early-mid afternoon does wonders.

Trackballs can be nice too.

ptilsen

Everyone wrote: »

I've been a huge fan of ergonomic keyboards for the longest time. I'm typing this on a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 right now. I was a little disappointed when I was told I could not get one for my new job, I mean come on we make the freaking things.. but nooo, it's not the "standard" says the admin lady... not possible to order me one that isn't the standard.

Get HR involved. Most organizations will get you things like this if the "standard" equipment causes you significant discomfort. It's not like you're asking for a faster computer or a gaming mouse; an ergonomic keyboard is more or less a necessity if it helps with arthritis or carpal tunnel.

No real advice for N2, unfortunately. I think anything is worth a shot, even if it means you buy your own chair or keyboard. You shouldn't have to IMO, but even if you do, it should be well worth your comfort.

Hypntick

When we moved offices we got these - Embody - Office Chair - Herman Miller
So many adjustments that it's impossible to not find a comfortable position for you. Although quite pricey, well worth it.

Heero

Everyone wrote: »

For that type of pain, you're going to need a good chair. Unless your employer is getting ready to replace ALL chairs in the office, good luck with that one. Even then, good luck getting them to spend a little extra on a good ergonomic one.

I've been a huge fan of ergonomic keyboards for the longest time. I'm typing this on a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 right now. I was a little disappointed when I was told I could not get one for my new job, I mean come on we make the freaking things.. but nooo, it's not the "standard" says the admin lady... not possible to order me one that isn't the standard.

Assuming you are in the US, all you really need to do is get a doctors note explaining your medical issues and saying that you need an ergonomic chair/keyboard/whatever. Present it to your employer and they don't really have a choice but to comply unless they want to break disability laws.

N2IT

Awesome info

I really appreciate you all stepping up and providing such quality information. Thanks

cyberguypr

Heero wrote: »

Assuming you are in the US, all you really need to do is get a doctors note explaining your medical issues and saying that you need an ergonomic chair/keyboard/whatever. Present it to your employer and they don't really have a choice but to comply unless they want to break disability laws.

Yes. As simple as that. This provides good examples of the importance of a doctor's note: http://www.auburnengineers.com/drupal_files/Ergo%20and%20ADA2.pdf

Heero

Ha. That link reminds me of case studies i had to read in my Industrial and Organizational Psychology class. Always fun to read through stuff like that. Great link.

Everyone

cyberguypr wrote: »

Yes. As simple as that. This provides good examples of the importance of a doctor's note: http://www.auburnengineers.com/drupal_files/Ergo and ADA2.pdf

Can't get a doctors note for a condition that does not yet exist. I started using an ergonomic keyboard a long long time ago, not because I have carpal tunnel or any other condition that would make typing on a regular keyboard painful, but because I wanted to avoid ever reaching that point. I knew I'd be spending 8+ hours a day for most of my life on a computer. Better to be proactive about such things.

Anyway, it isn't a big deal. I get a yearly allowance for equipment to buy whatever I need. Nothing says I have to use the keyboard and mouse they issued me. I can dip into my allowance to buy an ergonomic one if I want, but it means I won't have that $$$ for other supplies I might need.

Note I said "a little disappointed"... I didn't say I was outraged at the matter. Just thought the circumstances were a little silly, that's all.

SteveLord

Ergonomic? Yuck.

At least no on mentioned a trackball mouse. Blasphemy!!!!

NetworkingStudent

N2IT wrote: »

Like so many others I experience neck pain and back pain.

I go through this regiment everyday from pills to stretching etc.

My questions is about ergonomics. Anyone out there with neck and or back pain? What type of set up do you have.

I dropped my arm rest down lower and lowered my monitors and have them directly side by side so easy eye movements can view both screens.

Any equipment recommendations?

I think I may have arthirtist in my neck. I have seriously been in 10 car accidents, 3 of which were telephone poles head on and one rolled vehicle. Fast cars, beer, and teenagers don't make a good combination.

I think a lot of what I went through in my past is catching up with me.

Any ideas would be most welcome. Thanks

Not sure if anyone posted this , but Cyber guys has some stuff ..good luck

Ergonomic Office Furniture, Ergonomics Workstations and Supplies for arms, wrists, feet and back

Aldur

I have horrible back and neck pain. My neck pain gets so bad that I have to have my wife massage it with her elbow every night for a chance at me getting to sleep, and sometimes that doesn't help... My back pain can get so bad that I've had it where I could not even walk to the bathroom, I literally had to be dragged from room to room...

I picked up the following chair after my back went out the last time.

Amazon.com: Baxton Studio Adjustable Leather Chaise Lounge, Black: Home & Kitchen

I work from home and so I end up sliding it under my desk and work in a very reclined position. So far it has helped me tons. I don't have any neck or back pain while working, only some neck pain still while I sleep...