Back, neck and muscle pain at work?
I just got a full-time job as a typist at an abstract and title company, and recently I’ve found that, after awhile, I can’t hardly stand to sit in my chair anymore, my back hurts so bad. It’s a crappy little computer chair, and while I can spend a sufficient amount of time sitting up straight and proper, after awhile it just doesn’t matter what I do, I eventually just get frustrated. I’ve tried adjusting the back of the chair, the damn metal bar that the back is attached to is always there, regardless of how low I put the back.
And of course, the neck pain is due to having to look to the side at whatever it is I’m copying at the time. (They still use typewriters. -.-)
Anyone have any suggestions?
Qtea: I honestly wish I knew what these peoples’ problems were! There are only four of us in this place. The boss (who is a really friendly, mellow guy), his 80/90-some-year-old father, and a woman in her 40′s, who’s definitely given me the "Ha! They’ll never get computers!" remark before when I’ve commented on it, lol.
I dunno. It would be SO much faster and more convenient, it’s ridiculous stupid to still be using electric typewriters. Ugh. Lol.
Tagged with: abstract and title company • amount of time • boss • computer chair • damn metal • electric typewriters • full time job • google • little computer • neck pain • quot • script type • text javascript • typist
Filed under: Discount Bar Stools
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If the chair is the primary issue, ask for a new chair with proper support. Also, get up and walk around about every 20-30 minutes doing some forward, back, and side streches, then do some shoulder rolls and turn your head slowly in circles or side to side. While sitting, out a small book or box on the floor and put your feet up on it for some support. You can also pick up one leg then the other while typing every 5-10 minutes. All of which can help ease lower back and neck pain.
I also sit all day typing and I know just how much you have to type working at an abstract/title company. I can’t believe they are still using typewriters though (wow, somebody yank them into the twenty-first century). The longer you type and the more you tense up from the pain, the worse you will hurt. If you can’t get your employers to ante up for a new chair (not much of a chance, if you’re still banging away on an IBM Selectric) try a special pillow for your chair. The best could be pricey but well worth it. Also, make sure your chair is adjusted to the right height. If you are short and the right height can’t be adjusted into your chair, get a small box to put your feet on.
Take breaks throughout the day, get up and stretch or walk around. After you get home, a cold press on the back of your neck or back and that will dull the pain. Take aleve or ibuprofin. If it continues to bother you in the extreme, you may need to consult a physician or chiropractor.
In time you may get used to the typing, but long hours beating on the keyboard are always going to be difficult. If I were you, I would get the feel of the place and then see if you can get some support from the other employees and see if you can get your employer to invest in some computers. They are so inexpensive now they are losing money paying folks to use typewriters. The real estate field is such a piranha pit these days, it pays to be on the cutting edge of technology.
Good luck. Hope you feel better.
I agree with Qtea, and Jim c my answere was going to be the same..
all of us should get best answer (just kidding)
good luck