Just like most any affiliate marketer, I spend long days pounding on my keyboard. Often times, I’ll go many hours without grazing away from my desk.
In the last few weeks, I started getting an increased tingling and that pins and needles feeling in my hands.
I’ve long had a concern that I’d get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and jeopardize my ability to work at the same level, and after searching around a bunch of medical sites, it sounded like I was getting it.
So, I finally went to the doctor to get checked out yesterday, and she confirmed that I was in the early stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Fortunately, I might be able to remedy it by wearing wrist splints when I sleep for a few weeks or so. If you were wondering, yes, the splints are uncomfortable to wear while sleeping.
On the night before I went to the doctor, I whipped myself into a frenzy – wondering if I was going to soon have some broken down hands that would prevent me from working on the computer.
So, I installed a copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software that I bought randomly a few months ago.
I figured in the worst case scenario, I could use this software to write blogs, articles, emails, etc.
I was surprised at how well it worked, even for a mumbler like me. But I don’t know about their claim that it is “More than 3 times faster than typing.”
That could be true if it is error free, but I think I recover faster from typos by hand than voice commands.
There is also an option to transcribe audio with the software. The results there were a mess, but it would beat transcribing by ear, so I might start doing that and manually cleaning it up.
Anyhow, just a word of caution that you should definitely get yourself checked out if you are having aches and pains in your hands.
{ 39 comments }
Your Message@5starAffiliatePrograms: Hello I was just reading through some of the posts and found this one and I can relate but my problem is my shoulder . After hors of clicking and typing I am feeling the Pain !!
Dean
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease of the hand characterized by numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers. At first, anti-inflammatory drugs and splints can help. More advanced cases may require surgery. Surgery is done if symptoms persist despite other treatments, or if symptoms are severe and the nerve is in danger of permanent damage. Visit the website below for more information click here, read more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
get a warm mouse.
get a warm mouse.
I have just launched a new product (yesterday), which can reduce the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please take a moment to give it a look.
http://www.warmmouse.com
Sample available upon request.
Thanks!
Thanks Adrian -
A few weeks with the splints have greatly improved things for me and I hit the gym 3-4 work days each week.
Sorry if I wasn't clear – my doctor didn't think I'd need an operation, and she said to contact her if the pain wasn't subsiding after a few weeks with splints.
I've also changed my work environment to have a higher monitor, ergo keyboard and mouse, etc.
Some of these posts aren't too accurate and its a bit of a concern.
I've been dealing with this as a very serious problem since 1998, and its stopped me from working for weeks at a time due to the pain. I have to manage it constantly.
Firstly, you probably don't have carpal tunnel. You more likely have a repetitive strain injury. My father is an orthopedic surgeon and he makes this point very forcefully. You probably don't need to be operated on. Understand it as a “repeated” strain injury, not some syndrome which can't be cured.
First, get your keyboard and desk set up right and at the right height.
The #1 thing that makes the difference for me? Going to the gym and lifting weights. If you do that regularly (when you're not inflamed and in pain) will keep RSI at bay. I start to notice now if I don't go to the gym for a week or two that my RSI is coming back. Strength in your muscles is what will prevent it.
This book is excellent:
http://www.amazon.com/Carpal-Syndrome-Therapy-C…
And so is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Carpal-Tunnel-…
Splits can help, and I have some devices which I use to massage my arms when they are bad. But the #1 solution above all is going to the gym regularly and doing weights. Feel free to drop me a line privately if you want to talk further.
Adrian
Thanks for the advice – I've done pretty much everything but get the monitor at eye level. TIme to buy a stand for the monitor.
Maybe we need a physical therapy session at Affiliate Summit.
Hey Shawn. I can hear when you hammer away at the keyboard through cyberspace it's so loud. I'm actually a physical therapist turned affiliate marketer. However I still do practice PT. We see a lot of patients in the clinic for this. My best advice is to invest in an ergonomically correct workstation or create one where your elbows, knees, and hips are at 90 degrees. Foot planted on the floor or on a stool. Laptop screen and monitors always at eye level to keep your cervical spine in neutral alignment. Make sure your the base of your wrist is on a mouse pad. If you look to the medial corner or left base corner of your wrist their might be a pressure sore there. Everyone I know who spends more than 8 hours on the computer a day has this. That can be cured with mouse pads. If that position I mentioned above is not the most comfortable for you to work, there are some kneeling chairs, zero-gravity chairs with ergonomic work desks, and other equipment you can research.
The main thing is to get out of bad postures while sitting at the computer for long durations. Exercise and stretching frequently is sooooo important because that will break up the repetitive stress forming in the wrists. So have fun, take multiple breaks, and play with the kids.
Thanks Shane – I might install it (though I don't have the gadgets running).
Microsoft already governs all aspects of my schedule, so I might as well include this essential stuff.
Hi Shawn,
Best wishes for a speedy reccovery.
I have been a computer professional for most of my life. Stretching my arms, shoulders, neck, and wrists have literally saved my career.
I developed “StretchClock” to help prevent the painful problem for others.
People are saying great things after using it for a short while. You may be surprised at the benefits you feel with a quick break every hour or so.
Please remember to stretch EVERY hour when you are at the keyboard. OR try out http://www.stretchclock.com , download the vista gadget at Windows Live : http://gallery.live.com/LiveItemDetail.aspx?li=…
Hi Shawn,
NO, a big no to icing every few hours. Ice when DONE keyboarding, typically end of day for 10 to 15 mins, 20 max — from what I understand. We don't want to ice and then type, the muscles and tendons will be cold and will strain more. Of course, frequent breaks during and gentle stretching often to counter strain. Use heat prior to exersizing to warm up and cold at end of workouts when rest is assured if rehabbing. To start rehab, I had to seriously rest my arms, cut back on typing, no swimming. (I am an avid swimmer.) My therapists had me do gradual hand and arm strength training once the inflammation calmed. I got a good response after four weeks and watch it as it's chronic. And it sucks. And we're all subject to it! Think of the toll our children will be subject to who're starting keyboarding and that posture so early! My chiropracter, w/ tongue in cheek, says thank you as it ensures his future. That and trampolines! Good luck!
Thanks Carol -
Do you ice down your hands daily, ever few hours?
Hi Shawn!
Good topic as carpel tunnel and it's precursor, repetitive stress syndrome, is today's “occupational hazard,” very common and growing rapidly among those of us who mouse and keyboard for our livings. A suggestion is that ice should become your new best friend! I've been through rehab 2Xs for my hands and arms. THE BEST thing I've learned is that ice is now my new best friend. It will reduce that nasty inflammation like nothing else, and that's key. Good luck! See you in Beantown!
Carol Bousquet
Take it easy you have all those kids to chase after.
Sorry didn't clarify on the multiple keyboards. Due to my hands not working correctly i tend to spill my coffee or water on my keyboard on a regular basis! You only need one!
The mouse was made by Microsoft and called Trackball Explorer I, made over 5 years at least and never saw again. You can see a photo of it here – http://www.vastplanetblog.com/1/ms-mouse.jpg
Jim has a good point, good ergonomic position is key. A nice chair with adjustable arms that can be aligned with your keyboard and mouse is a great starting point.
Good luck and try everything to see what works best for you.
I'm doing all of that now – wishing I bothered to do it years ago. The split up ergo keyboard was surprisingly easy to get used to using.
I didn't look to see where the other person posted from, but I've got an IP from NJ.
I have pain from my usage 0f the mouse too extensively. maybe its the same condition
Dude, you gotta get ergo with a keyboard and mouse and most importantly, the correct postion for your elbows and wrists. I have the wrist (bowling) things too that I got through my insurance through my chiropractor a few years ago, but don't use them anymore since I went all ergo and got the right position for working.
Sorry to hear that btw. Thanks for posting a response comment on my Blog. Would the real Shawn Collins please stand up!?
You go through 3 keyboards a year?
The braces are only while I sleep for now, but still very annoying after two nights.
As far as the mouse, are you talking about the Microsoft Easyball?
Thanks Barbara -
Did your doctor recommend those particular vitamins?
Hi Shawn, sorry to hear about your hands. I broke both my wrists at the same time and have been plagued with wrist / hand / arthritis issues. The microsoft ergonomic 4000 board will be your friend and remove the bottom bracket (i buy at least 3 of these/yr) and I recommend a mouse that means you don't have to move your hand but just your index finger and thumb. My favorite mouse is really hard to find – it is a Microsoft optical ball with a glowing red ball almost the size of a pool ball. If you want me to send you a picture happy to do so. The braces will start to irritate your skin and get in the way of typing so you will ultimately remove them. I will try the dragon software again so thank you for the tip. Good luck on your hands and remember less movement of them is better.
I had CTS but don't any more. Good high potency multivitamin with high level of all essential nutrients including ingredients: tumeric and CoQ10. Add grape seed extract and pharmaceutical grade fish oil. No need to suffer. I took the Usana products. No pain after 2 months on the products and that was 3 years ago. Of course I still take them. All the best.
Thanks Lavelle!
Debby, one of the best preventative measures is FREQUENT breaks like Shawn said and make sure to stretch your back and neck. Carpal problems actually can sometimes start up in the neck.
Also be aware of your posture and the things you do repetitively. If you even think you may be getting a problem start switching it up. Use the other hand for mousing part of the day. Switch off between a couple different types of ergo mice so you aren't always working in the same position.
Hey Debby -
We didn't chat about prevention, but she did say I should definitely work with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse and take breaks from working.
Shawn,
Did your doctor say if there is anything that someone could do to help prevent carpal tunnel? I am glad that you caught it in the early stages!
~Debby
Yeah – helpful information from Linda.
The doctor gave me the splints as a reactive measure, since I'm already on the way with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
At a minimum, I think an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and a chair and desk that are ideal for you would be best for prevention.
oops… I sat on this page too long and missed Linda's tips. Great advice Linda!
I'm there w/ you. Mine comes & goes – really flared up last week, but this week I'm feeling great (knock on wood). I, too, have a brace. It's OK to wear at night (because I'm so exhausted, nothing gets in my way of sleeping). I tried accupressure for a couple days & it seemed to help out.
That sucks, but it's good you caught before it got too bad. I don't have the tingly feeling in my hand, but my forearm gets a little stiff at times.
Did the doc suggest any preventive measures that you could take to avoid CS, other than the wrist splints?
Haha… or you could be like Stephen Colbert and get autographs from super
affiliates and web celebs on them and then auction them off to support The
League.
Good stuff – thanks. I definitely need some more comfortable splints. The ones I got from the doctor feel like six wooden spoons rubber-banded tightly to my forearms.
I think I'll still have to wear it in Boston. Just at night, though.
Maybe I'll make it all cool with Web 2.0 stickers on it.
> Didn't realize you were a lefty.
It's about time I switched to the right, eh?
Didn't realize you were a lefty.
Glad you caught it early. I had a scare a few months ago and started using an ergonomic keyboard instead of the laptop one and that seemed to help out.
Are you going to be bringing the wrist brace thunder to Boston?
Shawn, I'm a lefty and the mouse I mentioned has a left hand version. Several of the ergo mice do. But that one helps the most. Your hand is in more of a hand shake position.
Here's one of my blogs about carpal tunnel which has some other mice reviews and tips. (no aff links or anything.) Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Solutions for Internet Marketers. It also has more detailed info on how to take the gelatin and goes into how chiropractic can help.
Hope yours heals soon and doesn't get any worse!
Thanks for all the information, Linda. I remembered seeing something about you having it and was going to search your blog later.
My left hand is far worse, and until last week, that was my mouse hand.
Fortunately, I've always used both, so it was easy to switch.
Just got a Microsoft Ergo Keyboard 4000 yesterday and already had a mouse that was ergonomic.
Maybe that was part of the problem – it is shaped to work with a right hand. Lefty discrimination!
Sorry to hear Shawn. I have carpal too and it's no fun.
I've blogged a lot of tips about carpal tunnel and some of these really work well. 1st – the biggest early sign is if your hands start falling asleep or go numb a lot night. Good thing you noticed the pins and needles as an early warning sign and went in.
Shawn, I have all types of different braces and there are some that are extremely comfortable to wear at night. This one is my fav and has a bean bag sort of cushion. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZ1236. It's too bulky to work with but perfect for sleeping. There are others that you can wear while you are working that are supportive but don't get in the way.
Couple nutritional tips. MSM crystals help a lot. Also plain Knoxx gelatin works wonders for many and when mine gets bad I use it. 1 tsp in a little water. Drink it quick before it gels. Do it once a day for a week and you'll start feeling a difference.
Biggest problem for me is mousing clicking is the main thing that aggravates it. Typing doesn't bother me much, it's the mousing that's the killer and it's really hard to mouse with your voice.
So get a different mouse. I have every ergo mouse that's ever been made I think. The one that helps me avoid pain best is the Evoluent Vertical Mouse.
Sometimes when it gets really bad I even move the mouse with my hand but click with my FOOT. I use an old fashioned mouse, remove the ball, put it on the floor and let my toes do the clicking. When you get desperate you'll do anything to keep working.
Currently my carpal is the best it's ever been. Barely bothers me at all, so if you do all the right things to minimize irritation and change your movements so you don't keep making it worse it can heal. Trust me, you don't want to get to the point of surgery because that often doesn’t work. So do everything thing you can that's preventive and do it early!
Feel free to call if you want more tips or other options. It's easier for me to talk than type.
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 3 trackbacks }