| It takes a specific skill set to be a writer. You | | | | risky habits." You may support your back with a |
| need to love words, think creatively, and be | | | | rolled towel or pillow, according to Mayo. The |
| persistent. This persistence is admirable, but sitting | | | | pillow has to be the right size. I put a bed pillow |
| at the computer for hours on end can lead to | | | | behind my back and, in a matter of minutes, was |
| back pain. You are less productive when your | | | | in greater pain. |
| back aches. I found this out the hard way. | | | | 4. Keep your feet on the floor. Just as the |
| Once I start writing I become totally absorbed. | | | | Computer Ergonomics website recommends, I |
| While I am working I set mini goals, such as | | | | make sure my feet are flat on the floor, my |
| finishing a page or chapter. Hours go by and I am | | | | knees and arms are at a 90-degree angle, and |
| unaware of them until my back starts to ache. | | | | the computer screen is at a 15 degree angle. To |
| Your computer experience may be similar to | | | | see the screen better I often lean forward, which |
| mine. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to | | | | does not help my back. Moving the screen closer |
| avoid computer back. | | | | solved this problem. |
| 1. Check your posture. According to the | | | | 5. Exercise. The Journalism United Kingdom |
| Computer Ergonomics website, poor keyboard | | | | website recommends relaxation exercises. |
| posture can lead to neck and shoulder pain, | | | | According to the article, "How to Avid Back Pain |
| forearm pain, hand problems, and lower back pain. | | | | While at the Computer," you may roll your head |
| I adjust my posture regularly because I tend to | | | | gently from side to side and rotate your |
| slump. Your computer chair may also cause upper | | | | shoulders. Stop immediately, the article warns, if |
| and lower back pain. | | | | these exercises cause you pain. I stretch my legs |
| 2. Check your chair. A well designed chair supports | | | | and walk around for a few minutes before |
| your back. I bought my chair at a home store. It | | | | returning to work. |
| is beautifully designed, made of leather, and has | | | | 6. Take frequent breaks. Mayo Clinic recommends |
| an adjustable seat. Unfortunately, it does not have | | | | a break every 15 minutes. That is a lot of breaks. |
| an adjustable back. Some authors use a kneel-sit | | | | Short breaks help to prevent back pain and do |
| chair, but I cannot do this because my knees | | | | not interrupt your concentration. Plan for these |
| hurt, so I may have to get a new chair. | | | | breaks when you plan your writing day. |
| 3. Support your back. In a website article, "Back | | | | Writers do not have to put up with back pain. |
| Pain at Work: Preventing Aches, Pains and | | | | Follow these steps and stay in good physical |
| Injuries," Mayo Clinic says routine office work can | | | | condition. You can buy a new chair and desk, but |
| make back pain worse, especially "if you fall into | | | | you cannot buy a new back. |