Repetitive Stress Injury Neck
Posted By: britabelle on 2006-01-12
In Reply to:
I am in bad shape with my neck and I thought maybe I could come here for some advice before I go to my doctor. I have an injury there already, but I thought it healed. I do 8 to 10 hours a day of typing and computer work. I do sit in an ergonomic chair, but I have very bad neck pain still...primarily on the left and it is a sharp intermittent pain.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Last year I got repetitive stress injury..sm
have been working on and off as an MT for 20 some years. One year I worked radiology and I can remember actually putting out 200 reports one day. I never got carpal tunnel with the keyboard but could get it with the mouse. About two years ago, I had a busy stint where I was probably working 6-7 straight hours, then my fingers began to hurt. First it was the thumbs, then it was all my fingers. Just ached. Not arthritis, because joints were not red or swollen. I even bought a parafin bath, tried NSAIDs. Finally investigated on the internet to find out I had repetitive stress injury. I stopped typing (fortunately I own a small MTSO) and just let my fingers rest. To this day, two years later, of almost NO typing, all it takes is about 3 hours straight typing and it's back. I've decided I've hurt my fingers irreparably and any further damage I do now, I will just pay for later with arthritis or something. Sorry to hear about your disability.
Repetivie stress injury neck
I had fusion at C6-7 15 years ago, with release of nerve entrapment. Now I also am getting the same pain back in my neck and arms from transcription. I have been on muscle relaxants and pain killers. My desk is ergonomically correct as is my chair, level of screen. My screen is eye level. I may need another MRI, as it is now affecting my neck/shoulder. I am going to try a back cushion to see if that will help me. There are several stores that sell these and they are not too expensive. I know the pain, it is horrible and I feel for you. I would just try to see what your doctor can offer you. Cortisone injections do work as does physical therapy. Good luck and I hope your pain is gone soon.
Repetitve Stress Injury
Thanks so much for the help and advice. Yes, I do have the screen eye level but I might be able to adjust a few things. I think the doctor is my next stop however. One thing I notice is maybe I need to get to stretching more between dictations. I have a tendecy to focus on the work for too long.
...to prevent carpal tunnel and other repetative stress injury. nm
s
Yes they are!!!! OSi and SoftScript are neck and neck
There are MUCH better companies out there. Please, for your sake, do not go there with SoftScript.
by boring I mean very repetitive...
but easy to normalize. They use these tables for different degrees of muscle movement and stuff. Maybe you could get a sample from one of the other MT websites.
Repetitive = easy, so no, they usually don't make more.
But there are exceptions to every rule, of course. As was stated in another post on radiology, the software is usually maddeningly inefficient, so sometimes it is hard to find and retain MTs for certain facilities. But the reason the software is bad for MTs is that they usually bought it with the hope they could change over to VR, thereby putting most of the MTs out of work. Radiology can be fun if you find a place where you can work in-house, have the skills to win the respect of the radiologists and learn to be able to read their minds, which helps you a lot when they misspeak.
Macros are recordings of keystrokes and commands that are repetitive. sm
A lot of people are confused on what a macro actually is. They are used to insert templates/boiler plates into documents, but the recording of the commands in the sequence they are used is the actual "macro."
Personally, I am more productive with OPs because much of OP notes are repetitive and it is easy
create abbreviation expanders. I like radiology too for the same reason, but I'm not quite as productive with radiology because the reports are so short.
be careful all of you - you could be pushing yourself into repetitive use syndrome formerly carpal t
and then your ability to earn an income is jeopardized.... I know because I have walked in those shoes.
Macros are better suited to repetitive tasks like formatting.
I have a macro to create a different second page of a letter with header info., another one that will update formatting from documents created using a different Normal template so they conform with mine, another one for highlighting, etc. They really can be timesavers.
while recovering from an injury, (sm)
I purchased and used Dragon. Cost me about $1000 by the time I purchased the nice microphone and software. If you don't mind the time it takes to "program" your voice and other features, re-listen to each dictation and copiously edit, and put up with all the quirks of the voice recognition, it is so-so at very best. It did allow me to keep my job and work while injured, but I certainly would not purchase it again if I were healthy and didn't have a real need for the product, as it probably took me 11 hours to complete what I could in eight by transcribing the old-fashioned way ... um, the one with all the wonderful Expanders we have available ;)
insult to injury
It is just the Pits! I would not want to work for them if I had any other choice at all. If no one works for them, they will have to change or do it all themselves! Yahoo.
My son also had a traumatic brain injury
Please let me know if you do find the answer to your question. My son, who lives with his father, has become a drug addict. He will not return to school or work; he is only interested in getting his SSI check and whatever else he can get from the government and everybody else. Please let me know if you have any answers. I do know that I went to college with a learning disability (ADHD), and I not only asked the professors to put me in the front and center seat but also had free tutoring for math classes when I needed it (I kept losing my glasses). They offer free tutoring through Student Services for a variety of handicaps. Good luck!
And adding insult to injury,
I have a few that dictate like they're trying to keep it all a big secret; ironically, it usually sounds like they are trying to keep their voices down so they don't disturb the people having the LOUD conversation 5 feet away! Hello, get a clue! Gaaaah!
Adding insult to injury,
it's IC (independent contract) work with an insultingly low line rate. If I were going to take THAT big a pay hit, it had BETTER have one KICKER of a benefits package attached to it. No, thanks. Don't call me and I won't call you.
In addition to the various fees charged if you don't jump through all their hoops (and they were a bit fuzzy about whether those fees would still be assessed if the failure to complete the required work was THEIR fault not yours, there was also some verbiage in their contract that sounded like they might require you to use a dedicated computer--i.e. you can't use the computer you use for their work for anything else. Naturally, they do not supply this dedicated computer. Excuse me, if I own the computer, I can do whatever I bloody well please with it.
Interesting article on MSNBC regarding repetitive motion strain and malaise.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9814810/
R hand and R rotator cuff injury..but I did it
Well, I broke my right hand years back, around 1986, and still went to work, without a cast, cause I had to work..Would work till it hurt too much and made me nauseous, then would go to the ladies room, get cold water on a towel, put it on my hand and go back to work.
In 2003, I tore my R rotator cuff. Opted for no surgery as I do not have insurance..Had to still work, Im the only *bread winner*..Put my R arm in a sling..took lots of ibuprofen, rubbed my shoulder with Ben Gay..Sometimes had to pick up my R arm and place it on the keyboard cause my arm couldnt do it..When I got on the keyboard, I was find..it was just lifting to my keyboard..It was hell..but what could I do..I will not rely on a govt program, never have, and I had to make a salary, have no family to depend on, would never ask my friends..So I did it myself..R shoulder still hurts sometimes, especially when I sleep..but I was able to get through it and you will too..
Son suffering from traumatic brain injury.
My son was hit by a car 7 years ago and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma and went through over a year of rehabilitation. He was 15 at the time and finished high school, went on to Junior College and has just finished a year at a state university. He has struggled with learning disabilities and short term memory problems since the accident and has barely passed his classes. It looks as though this was his last semester at school because his grade point average isn't high enough to let him continue school. He will be put on academic suspension. He wanted to go away to school so badly and worked so hard to make it and I know he will be so disapointed when he finds out he won't be going back in the fall.
He is definately a miracle and I thank God everyday that he is alive but I don't know what to do to help him anymore. My question is "Is there anyone out there with a similar situation who can give me some advice on where to go from here?"
anon - the almighty $ will show in personal injury/malpractice cases. (nm)
-
Well you can always strap one around your neck :)
Think about it. The possibilities are endless when you learn to be "without hands" doing this job.
If it is lunchtime, cutting a sandwich into 6 individual pieces and stabbing each piece with a toothpick works very well as you only have to do one bite at a time and your keyboard doesn't get nasty from touching the bread.
For dessert, don't buy Reeses peanut butter cups. The "Popable" Reeses fit nicely into a small cup that you can toss a mouthful from whenever the urge hits you.
I don't recommend anything that you actually have to pick up with your fingers, i.e., Cheese Doodles, Doritos, salt and vinegar chips, etc., as the keyboard gets really icky and you lose time that way or you have to wipe the residue on your pants or a leftover coffee filter.
I've also found that a straw works well with coffee once it has cooled down to tepid, as it usually does before you expect it.
stiff neck
What do you do for a stiff neck from working at the computer too long? Mine is killing me today.
How about a neck pillow you can
That can help sometimes; you can even make one. Just sew up a tube and fill it with beans or rice. Or maybe you could get someone to massage your neck to loosen up those tight muscles? If nobody is around to do that for me, I sometimes stand under the shower with hot water or take a long soak in the tub with Epsom salts. Also, those neck rotating exercises help loosen up tense muscles sometimes. Hope it gets better; I know the feeling well. If it's not the hands, wrists, or arms, it's the back, neck, or butt.
help for stiff neck
I have many severe problems with my neck (which is one of the reasons I am on SS disability). Take a long mens tube sock and fill with rice and some lavender. Either tie the end or sew it close. Heat in the microwave, then hang it around your neck. It will work wonders. This also helps sore shoulders as well.
Stiff neck
What really helped me, and I know they are expensive, but an Aeron chair was the best MT investment I made, especially the one with the swivel arms that you can pivot to the right position for your keyboard. No more back or neck ache. At least this worked for me.
It is about the norm around here in my neck of the USA. nm
x
My neck does hurt too...but...
my wrists usually get super sore when I STOP typing, I guess from not using them so much. If I take a weekend off, I am in severe pain with them, usually the brace works or taking ibuprofen, but now the brace doesn't fit. Thanks for your help!! I have actually thought about trying acupuncture, someone I know did that and they don't have any back pain at all after some sessions, supposed to be covered by my insurance too. Thanks again for your help!
neck pain
I had neck pain and both wrists/hands, and they thought it was carpal tunnel, finally had an MRI and had herniated disk at C5-C6 with nerve entrapment, ended up with cervical diskectomy and pain went away for a long time, but now back in my neck when I type too much, but I also have spurs in my neck and DJD in my neck. Transcription is a tough job, repetitive motion causing back, neck and arm/hand/wrist pains. I found the Thermawraps that you can buy at the store to help a lot, it has heat and you wear it like a collar. I have been to a chiropracter and acupuncturist and these did not help at all, and that is why I had the surgery. If the neck pain keeps up, I would have an MRI, I waited too long for doctor to go ahead with one, nerve was trapped under C5-C6 for 3 years and that is why I had the surgery. Good luck, hope the pain is relieved. I had it for a long time and it can be terrible.
QA is not breathing down MY neck, as I am only the--sm
transcriptionist with a small MTSO, but they may be breathing down the MTSOs neck. All I know is that one doctor in particular, a felon on top of that, has his office QA each report for errors and for line count. If he feels the line count is in error, he demands a return of funds charged...not from me personally, but from the MTSO. My MTSO also has another account that discovered that their transcription company was charging for lines not typed, i.e. ALL lines, and fired them for it. So they DO check. Even doctors do not want to get ripped off. The OP can charge whatever she likes. Maybe 11 cpl in her area is the going rate. That is not for anyone else to decide, but she must be honest above all, or she won't have ANY account for long.
Maybe she won't be such a pain in the neck
once you have your cervical surgery. They can probably get off paying her real cheap. Sounds like you are being duped. You may want to consider working for another practice who appreciates you instead of going above your head and hiring people since you are the supervisor. If they didn't think it was a good idea, they wouldn't have had the girl waiting there for you to train when you got back. Unfortunately this happens. Believe me, I know from experience, I worked for a hospital for over 15 years. They hired a lady that was ready for retirement. She comes and goes as she wishes. She did not listen to a word I said. She had medical problems herself and as far as I was concerned was not worth my time. So you know what I did? I resigned. End of story. Now I am happy and not having to train. So instead of thinking they care about what you think, start caring about what you think and find a position somewhere else where you are more appreciated.  It sounds a little late in this game to train even someone with a lot of experience if your plan is to go out in just a few months. Everyone can be replaced, believe me, it is so true. 
So what neck of the woods are you from?
In other words, where do you live in case this is a little deep for you. I have been a Transcriptionist for over 30 years and it is simply our way of speaking here in the south- has nothing to do with being lazy or unintelligent either one. Even with my southern twang, I still pride myself on my understanding not only of English but what we do for a living every day. No slouch here.
I know about CTS, but do any of you have neck pain? SM
My neck is killing me, I guess from staying in the same position for hours. I am starting to feel a knot in my neck!
Thanks.
neck pain
I like the center of my monitor even with my eyes. This keeps my neck straight. Also if you wear glasses be sure to measure the distance from your eyes to the monitor so you are not pulling your head foreward.
A break? Your arm, your neck or your leg? Your choice...
x
Sore neck and shoulders
This is the first year that I have had this type of pain. There is nothing that will relieve it and if there is the slightest movement of my computer screen or anything out of the ordinary, there it goes. I am afraid surgery is in my future. I do take breaks and your schedule sounds good. Thanks for the information....
Put a frozen sirloin on your neck. nm
//
Forgot one...NECK after shoulders(nm)
X
Back/neck pain
If anyone responds to the post about upper back/neck pain, please let me know - I have the exact same problem, and it makes long hours just miserable sometimes! Thanks in advance!!
Migraines really are not associated with stiff neck.
I have been cursed with them for about 15+ years - stiff neck is usually associated with some types of meningitis - RUN to the nearest ER, my friend. Photophobia, sensitive to noise, nausea, vomiting -- these are migraines - stiff neck, no.
Get a soft neck collar and try
Roll up a towel and put it under your neck when you sleep for support. If you don't get a collar you can also use a rolled towel and pin it while you're working.
Neck pain is horrible. Good luck
neck and upper back sm
Swimming helps some. Massage definitely helps. I have asked the massage therapist just to focus on my neck and upper back and to work deeply. Rates for massage depend on where you live. I pay about $60 for an hour. Sometimes you can get a half hour. Definitely ask for what you want with massage, and give feedback about what feels helpful. A chiropractor has helped and a strong vibrator has helped. Good luck! I know the pain.
back and neck pains
does anyone have any tips for backache and neck pains from sitting? I do try to take breaks and do stretches. As far as a good chair, any hints? I know of a good brand but it is awfully expensive but may be worth the investment, but I would like to spend under $200 if I could.
Neck Pain Relief
The main problem I have is neck pain from typing. Found some good products to help and especially the neck exercises that keep me going with less pain and headaches.
neck/upper back problems
Anyone else out there with neck and upper back problems. I am having problems with neck spasms and it makes my head feel funny with pain into my jaw etc. Another downfall to our jobs I guess. Any tips from anyone that has had these and gotten relief would be much appreciated I do not like taking muscle relaxers.
... to prevent neck strain. Lift it up on something if it's
s
back/shoulder/neck pain
last year I started out like that and so I checked the ergonomics of my keyboard, etc. I wound up moving my mouse to my left hand and that helped somewhat but later developed symptoms of a frozen shoulder. Do you get an extreme burning sensation? It took me a year to recover. I feel your pain.
don't stress too much about it (sm)
It's really not hard to learn at all. It may seem overwhelming, I mean all the manuals they send you about it, but honestly, I haven't even opened them, except during training...which BTW, I didn't get paid for...but that's another issue! Anyways, it's fine...I only use the built in expander also, and I like it! You'll be fine...don't stress over it. Good luck! 
stress
I either play with my dog, walk or read something that requires no brain!
Stress
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to relieve stress? I work 8-10 hours a day, have a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old, and a husband who does not believe MT is a real job, and major financial stressors.
I have been slowly losing my hair over the past 6 years which I believe may be due to hormonal shock (2 babies in quick succession) and then stress and maybe adrenal fatigue.
I am hoping a stress-free living will help me regain myself and my hair! Thanks.
I work for MQ. Can't afford to put a sirloin on my table, let alone my neck! nm
nm
Hospital MTs around my neck of the woods make $24 per hour +. sm
The jobs are out there, you have to find them.
|
