Computer Ergonomics

DrGonzo

Hi guys

Im suffering with a bad bout of RSI, and "mouse/tennis" elbow from long hours recording, editing and using the computer. ☹

So seem as tho rest is not an option, I'm trying to invest in some more ergonomic practises

First Off: Chairs…. willing to spend a bit on this as its one of the most important things to be comfortable when sitting.

Any ideas of places (in Cape Town or online) that sell nice ergonomic studio/office chairs?

Then I'm also investigating mouse options as this is where the problem started… Trackpads. track balls etc.

Any of you who suffer from this have any suggestions and workflow practises i could investigate?

peterleroux

For decent chairs, check out Geo Cloud in Maitland or Seating in Belville South. I'm not 100% certain that Seating deals direct to the public, but these are the two South African manufacturers of office chairs. Both have a good ergonomic chair in the R2000-R3500 range. You can spend much more on imports but I don't think it's necessary.

Big-G

i solutions also have an ergonomic chair that is specifically built for the person after a few measurements are taken. Again in the R2k to R3k range. I can give you the number of my Chiropractor who can measure you and advise you about one of their chars.

Regards
G

DonRoos

Screen height and chair is more related to neck pains. For RSI you need to sort out your mouse/mouse pad. Spend some cash and get a decent sized mouse that fits comfortably in your hand and where the buttons are in the right place. I have used a Microsoft wireless 5000 for years now and almost worn it out and will replace it with a similar mouse when it finally dies. I sometimes use a gel pad to rest my wrist or elbow on when doing long stints (I process thousands of photos). I have settled on two tray tables with bean bags under, one on my lap for the laptop to create a stable platform for the laptop and it has a fan base on top of it to raise the height and get proper air flow to prevent heat build up and prevent my nuts from being fried. The other is on the couch next to me with a mouse pad so my arm is comfortably next to my body and there is no awkward angle of my wrist.

I have been in the computer industry since the days of broom cupboard sized computers and tele-type keyboards (long before mice) and have tried all the mod cons such as track balls and weird keyboards and have found that the most important piece of equipment is a great mouse. The money spent will be saved on medical bills later!

ezietsman

You can also try a standing desk. I converted my computer desk in my room to a standing desk and worked (and played games) on it like that for a few months. Converted back because the 'conversion' took up all the space in the end and I could only have a keyboard on there. Pretty comfortable once your feet gets used to it. Plus, its much better for your health as we all know by now. When I'm more flush I'll get a proper sit-to-stand convertible desk.

Bob-Dubery

I've posted about this before. What I found beneficial for the elbow was using an ergonomic keyboard and using the mouse with the other hand. I'm not saying that proper chairs aren't any good, just that these things worked for me.

As regards the keyboard, there are several options these days. Go the whole hog and get the Microsoft Natural 4000. This will leave your wrists in a much less stressed more natural position. Those keyboards are the shizzle. I have one at home and one at work and I bought my wife one for work too.

DrGonzo

DonRoos wrote: Screen height and chair is more related to neck pains.

sure that makes more sense, but both physio's i have been to say that sitting posture and chair desk/height is as important to sort out, as your neck, back and arms are all connected. so posture is really essential to treating any kind of RSI.
also i guess the angle of arms to the desk is important, as you need to keep your wrists straight and your arms completely relaxed!

Bob-Dubery

DrGonzo wrote: also i guess the angle of arms to the desk is important, as you need to keep your wrists straight and your arms completely relaxed!

Which is where the keyboard comes in. I don't want to take issue with professional advice - I'm no physio - but I do have a problem with what is now called "mouse elbow" and I do find that that the keyboard and mouse make a big difference. To the point where I've bought my own Natural 4000 for use at work.

They feel odd at first, but you get used to them pretty quickly.

Lap top machines are especially bad - worse than a normal stand alone keyboard because they force your wrists into such cramped positions.

Here's a thought: Get the keyboard first and train yourself to use the mouse with the other hand. That's not a lot of money to spend. I switch the mouse to suit now. If my right elbow starts feeling a little off I switch the mouse to my left hand and vice versa.

ajdebeer

Ok im have not done that long editing and stuff on a computer but i am a gamer and sometimes sit more than 10 hours before the pc and each day at least 5 hours the things to get is a nice office chair that is comfortable for you a decent mouse with a good high dpi like at least 2800 for multiple display's i would go 6000 dpi and buy gaming mice cause they are so comfortable and keyboards you can go mechanical takes stress of your fingers and you have macro keys for all your shortcuts in the program so instead of 3 keys to press you press 1 key then a big mouse pad like really big. The most important thing to get if you sit in front op a pc alot is gunnar glasses it may sound like a gimmick but it really works like crazy your eyes dont dry out and you dont get tiered so fast it can make the difference between 5 hours and 10 hours gunnars are specifically build for gamers and programmers in mind cause of the long hours in front off a pc.

ezietsman

ajdebeer wrote: Ok im have not done that long editing and stuff on a computer but i am a gamer and sometimes sit more than 10 hours before the pc and each day at least 5 hours the things to get is a nice office chair that is comfortable for you a decent mouse with a good high dpi like at least 2800 for multiple display's i would go 6000 dpi and buy gaming mice cause they are so comfortable and keyboards you can go mechanical takes stress of your fingers and you have macro keys for all your shortcuts in the program so instead of 3 keys to press you press 1 key then a big mouse pad like really big. The most important thing to get if you sit in front op a pc alot is gunnar glasses it may sound like a gimmick but it really works like crazy your eyes dont dry out and you dont get tiered so fast it can make the difference between 5 hours and 10 hours gunnars are specifically build for gamers and programmers in mind cause of the long hours in front off a pc.

Does your keyboard not have a . button?

AlanRatcliffe

ez wrote: Does your keyboard not have a . button?

Prolly not something you can do with online gaming against others. ?

DrGonzo

My main problem is with clicking… thats when i really feel it. so I'm trying to work out a way to click as little as possible.

I have this auto click software which is handy - but very irritating at times

Im a mac user and thinking of getting a track pad… there are some cool apps in which u can program different gestures and areas on it to be shortcuts… lots of pro tools users use this to program macros on the track pad! pretty cool!

i know the best medicine is rest but thats unfortunately not an option ☹

thanks for the share on Geocloud. they got some cool chairs! i might invest!

peterleroux

DrGonzo wrote: thanks for the share on Geocloud. they got some cool chairs! i might invest!

I forgot to mention that the CEO is a muso- Neil Cloud ex Rabbitt/Peter Frampton drummer