We don’t think about simple, everyday repetitive, small-amplitude, movements as producing strain. Many times, we don’t realize that seemingly disparate activities are using the same muscle groups and adding to the “strain.” Pain is the body’s way of telling us that tissue injury is occurring. Pay attention to that signal—even if it occurs only transiently. […]
Repetitive Stress/Strain Injury
Being sedentary is not the only work hazard for those of us spending hours working at our computers. Musculoskeletal diseases involving muscle, tendon, ligament, and nervous system injuries are caused by repetitive tasks—like keyboard use. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often given as an example of this kind of musculoskeletal injury but other aches and […]
Work Positions: Sit/Stand Desk
The negative health effects of constant sitting are now well-established, and we freelance publishing folks have a lot of computer time in our days. And given the findings from some NASA studies that the effects of gravity and lower body movement are important in counteracting the effects of sitting disease, standing desks have become popular. […]
Alternative seated positions
While the upright seated position (90-degree) seems to be the most commonly recommended (and used) position, it may not be the most healthy. Some very sophisticated studies using MRI imaging and stress measurement in the spine suggest that 135-degree thigh/torso position may be optimal for circulation, joint comfort, and weight distribution. In the declined position the […]
Working Positions: Upright Seated
Just because we work freelance from home does not mean that we should ignore ergonomics. Admittedly if you are working at the kitchen table it may be a bit more difficult to achieve, but it’s likely possible. You need not cringe and immediately respond that you can’t afford it—there are lots of simple, inexpensive […]
Occupational Hazards
Most of us who spend lots of hours at the computer as a way of earning our living likely don’t think of our jobs as having occupational hazards, but we really do have them. They may not be as blatantly obvious as in other occupations—e.g. construction, or farming. If you are not aware of hazards, […]
