Computer ergonomics - Developers

Since we are all programmers and are sitting at a desk in front of a computer most of the type, I was wondering if anyone had ever dealt with health problems related to such a lifestyle? Maybe we could talk about it, share some stories / solutions. I've been getting chest pain / discomfort for a few months now. My 9-5 job is programming and when I get home or in the weekends I just do more of it. I've also had problems with pain in my right (mouse) forearm before. I feel my desk is too high and my whole setup is wrong, but it's kinda hard to tell. Has anyone ever experienced this? How did you fix it?

Never really had this problem, but you should try to keep your arm at roughly a 90 degree angle. Also try to keep your back straight because after a while it can start to hurt. For the mouse problem just try not to push on it as hard or you could get a mouse that's longer/shorter.

Even though I am brand new to programming, I was devoured by the computer when I was 8. So I know all about health problems relating to sitting at a desk. I am healthy, very skinny and do go to the gym, however... I have chronic back aches because of slouching, My wrists hurt like a bitch if type continuously for too long, I think I am killing my eyesight. Chest pains sounds like a serious problem you should get checked out by your doctor sir.

I have some simple rules I follow. 1. Never sit in the same position for a long time, there has to be some variation. 2. Keep your back upright. 3. Some excercises that work very well (Swedish) [url]http://www.vardguiden.se/Tema/Halsa/Motion-och-rorelse/Pausovningar/[/url]

This is me: [img]http://i.imgur.com/YUWSN.png[/img] I haven't had any problems (yet). The problems I do have are probably from my horrible diet and aversion to exercise.

[QUOTE=ROBO_DONUT;35475173]This is me: [img]http://i.imgur.com/YUWSN.png[/img] I haven't had any problems (yet). The problems I do have are probably from my horrible diet and aversion to exercise.[/QUOTE] Can't really see the configuration of your legs. It's like a... Half lotus position. It's kinda comfortable.

I don't have much issues except for the occasional back-ache, and I have to wear glasses because I got short sighted from focusing on something close by for too long (monitor). Also I have barely any muscles because fuck exercise, interneeeeet :v: edit: also headaches

My bed is at the edge of my desk so I lay down when I'm on the computer.

Right now I have RSI due to a bad chair that causes bad posture. Frequent breaks (too frequent to play games) are really helping.

I occasionally get to the point where I can't see fucking anything when I go out, but that fixes itself after a couple of hours. Other than my eyes, I've encountered no physical discomfort as a result of my incessant computer use.

My elbows hurt after/during long sessions as I lean on them, also the eye issue Catdaemon mentioned. That is, if he is exaggerating (my eye sight just becomes blurry).

[QUOTE=ROBO_DONUT;35475173][img]http://i.imgur.com/YUWSN.png[/img][/QUOTE] I thought I was the only one with that leg placement.

[QUOTE=Helpful stalker;35474669] Chest pains sounds like a serious problem you should get checked out by your doctor sir.[/QUOTE] Yes it was really scary at first, went to the ER, they gave me an EKG and turns out everything is fine. It really is just the posture fucking me up.

I have a chronic back problem from slouching too much, but when I'm on my laptop I'm usually relaxing and reclining at a 135 degree angle in my comfy armchair.

I have poor vision and a portion of the problem is that I spend (and have spent) too much time in front of a screen. As for aches and stuff I have none, I exercise regularly and never sit still for long. I can definitely recommend those of you who have chest pains and aches and stuff to get out and move - not only will you rid the pain, you'll get more productive as a result. It doesn't even have to be all that serious, just walking for 15 minutes and getting some fresh air will do it.

I must be really lucky, I'm on the computer all the time and I still have 20/20 vision.

[QUOTE=Bumrang;35488015]I must be really lucky, I'm on the computer all the time and I still have 20/20 vision.[/QUOTE] Staring at a computer monitor only affects your vision in the short term, not long term

There are times where my eyes hurt from looking at the screen too long, and I have to stop everything and go lay down for about 20 minutes. Other than that, I have no problems. I generally get up once every 20 minutes or so(whether I'm in a game or not) and stretch for a couple of seconds. It seems to help.

Just watch out for carpal tunnel; keep your wrists straight. I have no problems sitting still for a long period of time, but I have a nice office chair.

I've had a few problems. My eye's weren't good anyway, and spending around 4-5 hours a day in front of 3 monitors hasn't helped. If anybody is worried about this, I build a back-light using 4 LED's ,30cm PVC, a 470 Ohm resistor and an old 12v power adaptor I had, if anybody wants some advice or a guide on how I did it just PM me. The back light helped so much. Being a guitarist my fingers are constantly moving, and I've had a few problems with them. Can't really give any advice on this, just stretch them and take frequent brakes. I break about once every two hours for around 15 minutes, this has helped quite alot. I recommend taking breaks anyway, but especially if you're suffering with anything. If you experience any pains at all, stop and take a break. ... Good topic IMO.

Talking about RSI and other wrist problems, does anyone know if something like this would help prevent it? [IMG]http://www.rehbandsport.co.uk/content/images/thumbs/0000018_7910_wrist_support_450.jpeg[/IMG]

When I use my mouse and my plastic mouse-pad from SteelSeries, I scratch my wrist on the edge. Then I found my old Commodore wristband, and use that on my right arm. That helps me a lot :wink: [URL=http://imgur.com/XZ4Uz][IMG]http://i.imgur.com/XZ4Uzl.jpg[/IMG][/URL]