Ergonomy Problems

I have the poorest posture and form when I'm on the computer. I'm pretty sure I don't follow the correct way of typing (this finger goes where and whatnot) either. So, I am more or less just like any average computer user.

Unfortunately, I've experienced the downside of being so careless with my posture and form. The day before my wedding (oh, yes, I got married! But that's for another few more posts) I was feeling some pain on my right arm, running from my wrist until my elbow towards the inner part of my arm. The pain was tolerable so I thought it might just be because of the pre-wedding stress or I was tired.

I went to sleep that night hoping to get at least 4 hours of sleep (I had to wake up at 2 am for my wedding!). Nope! I woke up after 2 hours because my forearm hurt like hell! I was wincing and whimpering from the pain and couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and bothered my two bridesmaids who were in the hotel room with me (so sorry guys!) and asked for help. They called the front desk to ask for some pain killers and some ice. I applied a cold compress on my arm and took a pain killer, hoping it would solve the problem. After an hour and half the pain was gone. The cold compress, pain killer, and funny conversation with them really helped.

After the wedding my father-in-law lent me his wrist brace. It is supposed to limit the type of movement on your wrist that's supposed to be bad for it. I was told I had to wear it as often as possible, most especially when I'm using the computer. It has definitely helped and I haven't experienced the same pain again.

Now, because of my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome scare I'm now seriously considering buying a vertical mouse and an ergonomic keyboard. I've been eyeing the Evoluent vertical mouse for a few months now, but it's so expensive! The same goes for adjustable ergonomic keyboards!

Evoluent Vertical Mouse (http://www.evoluent.com/vm4s.htm)

Goldtouch Adjustable Comfort Keyboard (http://www.goldtouch.com/p-1-goldtouch-v2-adjustable-comfort-keyboard-pc-only-includes-usb-and-ps2-connector.aspx)

The vertical mouse costs $99.95, which is around PhP4,100.00. The Goldtouch keyboard, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive at $109, around PhP4,400.00.

There are other ergonomic alternatives for mice, like joysticks and trackballs, but I still prefer having a mouse, so I think the vertical mouse is perfect. Techrepublic has a list of the best ergonomic keyboards here, if you're interested. I haven't looked at the other items the list yet, but what I liked about the Goldtouch keyboard is the easy adjustment and how it looks in general.

Now, only 53 days till Christmas. Hmm...=)