[OT] [TOOLS] Ergo stuff update

[mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com]

The mention of aching patooties in a recent thread reminded me 
that we all (in this biz) spend a lot of time parked on ours.

Some time ago, I related that I was addressing work-related 
back problems, and noted that I had begun using an exercise 
ball (also called Swiss ball and other less flattering names)
as a seat.

Here's the low-down and the update, for anyone who is interested.

First things first, the ball has not yet burst.  :-)

I rapidly worked up to using it all day, every day as a 
chair. I found that I initially noted some improvement in 
my lower back (reduced pain), but soon found that it was 
returning... albeit subtly changed. 

After searching for a possible cause, I read an opinion 
stating that the dynamic requirements of sitting on an 
otherwise unrestrained ball would keep the supporting 
back muscles in a fairly constant state of tension, which 
in turn would put compression pressure on the vertebrae 
of the lower spine.  That's a different stress vector than 
results from slumping in an ordinary chair, and would 
account for the fact that the pain had a different "flavor" 
to it. (We're not talking about agonizing, reach for the 
needle pain, just an annoying ache that would flare when 
I'd rise from seated or lying position, or perform some 
actions.  The "Jeez, I'm gettin' old" kind of aches.)

My modified approach -- since I'd seen some improvement 
from use of the ball and understood the mechanics -- 
was to alternate between the ball and a regular chair, 
throughout the working day. A couple of hours on one, 
then a couple on the other... swap at will.

The result, after a few weeks of that regime, is continued 
improvement of function and sensation in my back in general, 
despite some long workdays, recently.

Following an ordering glitch, I never did purchase the 
stand-alone desk-attaching forearm rests that I wanted, 
so a drawback of the ball seat is that my arms are 
unsupported while I type and use the mouse. This can 
cause tension in the upper back, which can eventually 
lead to referred problems in the arms and hands. To 
alleviate that, I perform the simple exercise that I 
learned from a chiropractor.  Frequently, during the day, 
I clasp hands behind my back (palms up), point my chin 
toward the ceiling, pinch my shoulder-blades together 
while pushing downward with the clasped hands. Hold for 
a few seconds, repeat, then resume typing.  It's also 
practically a miracle cure for tension headaches. 
Haven't touched an aspirin in months.

You are now up-to-date on the continuing saga. There's 
a way to go, but I consider the whole venture to be 
a success. Work is more pleasant and my livelihood is 
no longer at risk due to work-posture related injury.
So far. I take nothing for granted, now. Aging sucks, 
but the alternative is worse.
YMMV. Void where prohibited. Prohibited where void.

You *did* delete or skip this if you weren't intersted 
(as in "young and invulnerable"), didn't you?  :-)

Cheers,

Kevin  (older than some, but not yet older'n dirt)

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