Simple strategies for staying pain-free while on the job
By Franklin Tessler
David Pogue’s soreness came on gradually, and was often most pronounced after long sessions at his Mac. It started with some aching in his wrists. After a while, the pain he felt after typing became so severe that he couldn’t button his shirt without help. When the New York Times columnist and Broadway pianist was diagnosed with tendinitis, a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI) in which the tendons become inflamed, he turned to speech-recognition software—a solution that he says helped save his career.
It’s hard to say for sure what role computers play in injuries such as these—even experts disagree on the subject. The issue becomes trickier when you consider that some RSI-like symptoms aren’t caused by computers, and certain complaints, like eyestrain and headaches, don’t qualify as RSI. Still, the relationship between computers and pain, numbness, and other debilitating symptoms is too persuasive to discount.
Whether you use your computer for work or entertainment, you’re at risk for developing RSI. But you don’t have to give up your Mac to stay fit. Read on, and we’ll show you the best ways to arrange your workspace, as well as how to use software and hardware to help avoid problems.
One easy way to lessen your risk of injury is to get the right chair and set up your hardware correctly. But while most ergonomists concur that certain arrangements are particularly hazardous, they don't always agree on what's best. That makes it difficult to suggest a perfect setup, so consider these recommendations as guidelines.
A proper workspace setup is important, but it can only help so much. To further lessen your risk of RSI, try cutting back on the amount of typing and mousing you do. Mac OS X, along with many popular applications, features built-in tools that can abbreviate tasks. Or you can invest in some third-party add-ons to help you. But remember: A shortcut should not be more harmful than the action it replaces.
Increased awareness of RSI over the past couple of decades has spawned a flood of so-called ergonomic devices that claim to reduce the risk of injury. Unfortunately, determining whether a product lives up to its claims is difficult without actually using it.
Minding your environment and seeking help
Although there’s no surefire way to tell if you have a stress-related injury, there are some obvious indicators. Symptoms may be delayed or intermittent, so don’t discount them just because they crop up hours or days later. If you suspect you have a problem, here are some steps you can take.
http://www.macworld.com/2006/10/features/ergo_main/index.php
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