Spinal Stenosis - Speculation on Causes - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

sunshine221 · 06-23-2007, 04:13 AM

I see on moonchaser's recent post - several responses about "sitting at a computer all day" for employement.

While its often a moot point to speculate as to why our problems have happened and the doctors won't even discuss this - I'm curious as to how many of us have computer/desk jobs.

I personally am an engineer by training but for the past 25 years have run a computer consulting business. I have seen trends in furniture design come/go etc. - I have a desk where the monitor is below the desk surface with a glass top on the desk - I used to love it! (now I just use it when I have to - it's my payroll/AP desk)

The first thing the physical therapist did with me after surgery (laminectomy C4-C7 Sept 05) was to tell me to get a better fitting chair and watch keyboard and monitor height and position.

I'm interested in hearing other people's comments on this - might be valuable advice to the rest of us.

SKZ · 06-23-2007, 11:48 AM

You know, I feel very strongly that computer usage is making orthopedic and neurosurgeons VERY wealthy!!! I feel my worst when I am on the computer. I have tried all the ergonomic things to try. Unless your set-up is PERFECT, I am guessing that subtle things can put pressure on the disks. I think its because most people, when they use a computer...tend to do it for long periods of time. I remember, I used to put my head forward alot (for years) when I was using the computer. That could not have been good. The thing that really bothers me is that no PT has ever even brought up my computer set-up....EVER! One would think that that would be the first thing they ask. And I have been to at least 10 PTs in the last 5 yrs. Its like I have to beg to get computer set up advice. I really do not understand this.

settingsons · 06-24-2007, 04:24 PM

Computer use is definitely the cause of all my spinal and neurological problems. I can 100% guarantee it, but it cannot be proved and health professionals are reluctant to agree.

I am 40 now and have used computers for 25 years, 5 of those at college/university and 17 years as a Systems/Analyst Programmer. I think 8/9 hours every day with virtually no breaks and only a 15 minute lunch certainly take there toll. Just think of how many repetitions of the same movement I have done in the same posture for all those years. It is so obvious that it will cause problems. I to looked down on a monitor for many years where it should have been mounted at eye level.

Nowadays I have painful legs/arms and cannot feel heat in my lower legs/feet. I still have stenosis, and painful arms 5 months after my ACDF. I have made a good living out of computers but now I am in too much pain to work and going forward I don't think I will be able to return to IT work. So earning a living is likely to stop now.

Where I had a passion for computers I now have the opposite feelings. Now I cannot even play with my young children.

Why do you think the Wii console constantly asks you to confirm that you have read the health warnings? Why does it frequently asks you to take a break. It is because they know repetitive actions are distastrous for our bodies, and they don't want people taking legal action against them in years to come.

I think in maybe 50 years time when the medical profession finally catches up with logical thinking I reckon people will be reading these posts on the internet and saying those chaps were right all along.

moonchaser · 06-24-2007, 08:00 PM

I am a Corporate Trainer and Training Manager. I can remember when we started teaching people how to use computers as a part of their everyday work life ("this is a mouse - you roll it on the desk, not point it at the screen like a remote control," - LOL). A huge part of my work life activities centers around using computers.

I'm convinced my last job caused what was probably already simmering to really take off. Ergonomic conditions in my training room - what a joke. They didn't even give me a table to put my laptop on. I had to borrow one from another trainer. As a result, my neck and back positions were horrible. Half the time I would teach bending on my knee to be eye level with the laptop screen. I think my problems grew over the years, but this really didn't help. I also think part of my problem is simply hereditary in nature.

Kibbyindallas · 06-25-2007, 03:54 PM

My Father had Spinal Stenosis, never worked a day of his life in front of a computer. I have Spinal Stenosis and have worked in front of a computer for the last 20 years, but I have also played basketball 3 times a week for 40 years.