Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Letter to a Young Writer/Artist/Anybody Who Works in an Occupation That Entails Long Hours of Hunching Over A Desk/Drawing Table/Computer Screen

Dear Young Person,

Please invest early in an ergonomically correct workspace. Don't spare the cost. You will thank me later.

Sincerely,

Your Spine

10 comments:

Christine Mercer-Vernon said...

oh i hear you, i just don't listen...my ergo chair is in my studio, but i spend my work hours in my dining room slumped on a stool with my laptop up on a cabinet....oh my aching neck & back...

Jennifer Thermes said...

Ay! When will we ever learn?? ;-)

gail said...

I don't have my "mouse surface" at the right height. After a long day at the computer. I pay for it with my right shoulder.

Are you getting that new chair?

gail

Jennifer Thermes said...

Gail-- Funny thing is, I bought a new chair back in the fall, and thought my setup was pretty good. But I'd better look at it again. I think maybe I slouch too much and jam up my neck. That's what I'm payin' for now...

Got any chair recommendations?

Elizabeth said...

I am utterly unergonomic - and am paying a price for it.
I mostly work on my laptop and my rear end goes to sleep and I get neck aches and have to go to get back rubs. It is getting expensive and i think i'm getting carpal tunnel.
Or it may be I am just lazy and don't like work.......

Jacqui said...

As someone who spent three weeks in a wrist brace this spring, I can only say, "Yeah! What spine said." (that was Wrist talking)

Jennifer Thermes said...

Well, I could think of better ways to procrastinate, Elizabeth! But the back rub sounds delightful...

And Jacqui, a.k.a. "Wrist"-- I feel you pain! I had a wrist issue last year, luckily not carpal tunnel. Some time in a night brace and some strengthening work seemed to do the trick.

Sheesh, who knew this occupation could be so hazardous to our health?! ;-)

Jennifer Thermes said...

Oh brother-- "I feel YOUR pain."

Sorry, I can't stand typos...

Kathleen Rietz said...

For those of us who still use traditional paint and paint at a drafting table, all I can say is OOouuuuucccHHHHHH!!! Maybe I need to switch everything to digital media. I am looking down all day, and my neck is a total mess all the time. Poo.

I have been through 2 tables and 6 chairs in 20 years and nothing ever helps.

Again I say Poo.

Jennifer Thermes said...

Yikes, Kate-- this is beginning to sound like a common theme!