My journey to being the weird guy at the cafe
You're here because:
- you are in pain
- you want to prevent it in the future
Like you, I've been sitting at a computer or notebook for YEARS.
My father is a software engineer.
We had a Gateway computer in 1995 or so...
That means about 28 years on the computer for me!
My hands, wrist, thumb and neck started to hurt a lot, and I finally took action...
A trip to the neck doctor
Back in 2018, I was getting numbness and tingling down my right arm.
My thumb hurt constantly.
Turns out I have herniated disks in my neck.
I was working out 2+hrs/day and doing computer for 8+hrs/day.
The surgeon luckily was progressive and prescribed me two activities:
- Occupational Therapy
- Reformer Pilates
Both helped me tremendously.
Reformer Pilates
If you can afford it, this is the #1 posture corrective exercise.
You walk out feeling like you're 18 again - no pain.
Your work, your sex, your life will be better.
Pilates instructors are trained for >600 hours, which is why Physical Therapists hire them as "assistants" to PT.
Try 2x/week for a month.
If you need recs in NYC or Miami, DM me.
Product Recommendations
1) Goldtouch Go!2 Split Raised Bluetooth Keyboard
Typical flat keyboards force your palm down (pronating)
The pronation is one reasons our hands hurt after computer work.
Want to know why?
Walk to your kitchen and see how your hands hang. Palms face each other.
Raised keyboards like Goldtouch Go!2 Mobile prevent pronation.
Worried about getting used to it?
The foldable Goldtouch Go!2 works as a flat keyboard, so you can slowly adjust to the split and then the raised version. They have great YT videos.
LINKS
Bluetooth for travel
USB for home
2) Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
Logitech ERGO M575 Wireless Trackball Mouse
Going back to pronating, this also lets the hand stay in its natural position.
Great because it seamlessly syncs between multiple computers, just by pushing a button.
It is raised in the style of the ‘vertical mice’, recommended for some people with carpal tunnel syndrome or RSI (repetitive stress injuries).
I bought the version w/o the trackball.
This is the #1 gamechanger.
Keeping your computer at eye level prevents neck strain and forward head posture.
I've bought 4 different laptop stands, asked many people at cafes, and landed on this one.
Pricey but can hold 13"-15" laptops.
It's lightweight & easy to travel or use @ home.
Bonus: Ergonomic Workspace Calculator
While this is not a product, once you know at which height your desk, chair, keyboard and monitor should be set, you can then purchase the correct items.
It is super quick and uses your height to determine this.
Finally, don't pay for it yourself.
With WFH and the reduced costs of office space, commuting benefits and serving you food on Fridays, employers have budgeted for WFH supplies.
Do not be afraid to ask HR. You are in pain or discomfort. They do not want you to take days off for that, or to sue.
You need this to do your job without difficulty.
Work may ask for a doctor’s note. If so, after they ask, schedule 1 session with an Occupational Therapist to get the below note.
If you do not want to go that route, you may also pay via your HSA or FSA.
Sample Letter from Occupational Therapist:
In conclusion...
Take control of your life!
Benjamin Franklin said compounding is the most powerful force in the universe.
Every 1% matters to your health.
...and if that resonates with you, find out more about my Health & Life Optimization System here.
Feel free to email me any questions on ergonomic gear.