back and neck pains
Posted By: star on 2006-09-04
In Reply to:
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.
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back pains
To much inactivity girl. Try standing at your desk instead of sitting for a couple of hours. Do stretching exercises at your break for your back and whole body and get outside at least an hour a day and walk, work in the garden. Get some sun, vitamin D ya know, we need sun. Swim in a pool, great for back. For the most part strengthen you abdominals. I have done all of the above and it has helped.
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!!
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.
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. 
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.
agree - many MT's have chronic back/neck/shoulder problems also
x
Try leaning back in your chair and typing with your keyboard in your lap. I had terrible neck sm
back and shoulder pain, as well as pain in my elbows and hands from rheumatoid arthritis. I tried this method and have been using it for almost 6 years now with excellent results.
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.
Pains
I do the same thing - switching feet and stretching. I also try to walk every day and that seems to help. My shoulders are my big problem area as well. It seems no matter what I do, they are still killing me at the end of the day! Whew! :)
It pains me to say this
But I've been on both sides, MT/ME and QA, and you're absolutely right. I've seen some atrocities sent through by 'experienced' MTs, reports that made me give thanks they did not go straight through to the client because it would have been an blemish on the entire company.
I'm not referring simply to blanks left for QA to fill in; I'm talking about outrageous typos and flat-out mistakes on meds, diagnoses, etc., throughout the body of the report.
This certainly is not true for all MT/ME's, not by any means, but it's not just the newbies, either. I was mortified at how many inept MTs are out there with 15+ years of experience. I found it so exasperating that I went back to MT/ME and haven't ventured back into QA since.
Chest Pains
We just had a good family friend that had been having chest pains, he went to his son's soccer game instead of the doctor and died several hours later. I am not saying that it will happen to you, but chest pains are nothing to mess around with. Go see a doctor!
aches and pains
I got tarsal tunnel while working on reports by a physician who constantly was changing his mind and had no normals. He dictated a high volume and I finally had to get a doctor's note that I could only transcribe his reports for no more than 2 hours a day -
Similar pains sm
I had similar pains when my shoulder started bothering me and I started losing ROM of my shoulder.
I'll tell you what I was told (and didn't listen to very well) but you should probably stop and stretch your arms frequently (like every hour maybe). Also, stretch other parts of your body too. I noticed you said after typing "long periods of time" or something like that and maybe that is the key! Don't type long periods of time without a break for stretching. Hope it helps. 
Vista Pains!
Hey all,
I am trying to set my laptop up with XP since Vista is not compatible with anything. I was told that you can "dual boot" XP and have Vista in the background in case it is one day worth a crud. I know how to reload XP onto my laptop and take Vista off completely, but I'm not sure I want to do that. Plus, I have a remote login setup on it now for the hospital work I do on the weekends. So I need to be able to transfer that to the XP side also.
I am so frustrated with Vista! I just want to go back to good ol' XP without losing EVERYTHING I have on my laptop.
If someone could provide me with instructions I would be so grateful!
TIA!
You got it. Did you get those embarrasing spasming pains sm
The next day?
I'm walking through the parking lot at the grocery store (I know, I know, I shouldn't have gone but I did) and I'd get like a huge pain in one hip or behind my knee or in my foot and I'm walking through the parking lot, pausing and yelping quietly and looking and sounding as if I needed someone to call security. :)
aches & pains--chair
I tried every chair known and still my rear was in agony (just like yours) as soon as I sat down. For the last 6 months, (because my last office chair broke in the middle of the shift), I pulled out my $10 K-Mart foldable canvas camping/fishing chair--took it out of its canvas drawnstring bag--and have been using nothing else ever since and no more ''rear''pain. The canvas seems to ''mold''perfectly to the back and rear-end. (The only draw-back of course is that it is not on coasters, but I have found that since it is so light, that really does not present much of a problem.) (I know it sounds strange but this cheap little canvas folding chair has been a dream-come-true for me.)
Chiropractors? Anybody use them for your aches and pains? SM
My mom swears by hers. I've never been but I have such problems with my neck and shoulder. I get neck spasms chronically. I was in a car wreck years ago where I had whiplash and that coupled with being an MT has not done my neck any good. From time to time my neck will act up, get stiff and sore and my head feels like it weighs 100 pounds! I was rear-ended back in June and it aggravated my neck AGAIN and now it's stiff all the time and pops when I stretch it out.
So I'm considering going to a chiropractor for the first time in my life. I also have TMJ and my dentist has told me that a neck adjustment at a chiropractor's would help that as well. So what do ya'll think? I'm kind of nervous about a guy popping my neck and back. What exactly do they do?
yes, and i'm feeling empathy pains.
x
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
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 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.
Repetitive Stress Injury Neck
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.
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.
... to prevent neck strain. Lift it up on something if it's
s
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.
sticking your neck out? i'm alone? your a friggin anonymous poster on an MT board not CIA.
How do you know I am STILL (caps lady MQ apologist strikes again?) alone? Truth be told, you don't know anything and are whistling in the dark using bunches of words that say nothing and pretending you know something, which you obviously do not. You are scary.
When your neck muscles are strained, it traps the occipital nerve.
I am with you on the "I can't get rid of it, and it kills me." Do some research on peripheral stimulators. They implant them in the occipital region. They stimulate the area with electricity that overrides the pain with a pleasant paresthesia. Plain English: It is like having a G-spot in your head; it feels so good. Another theory is that it changes the ions in the cells. As posted, I am anxiously awaiting mine to be reimplanted. You control the stimulator with a device to stimulate the strength and pulse width needed to cover the pain. It is fabulous!!!!!! Beats pain pills, which I am so sick of now.
A $14 goose-neck lamp from Target, 40 watt bulb. SM
I have used this little lamp for years in the colder months. It has a nice opaque cover so doesn't give any glare. I tilt it way down so it is pointed right over the keyboard. Keeps my fingers toasty.
For my feet, I use one of those electric lap throws, right over my feet, the foot pedal and the big wooden shelf for the foot pedal that my sweetie built for me.
I don't like to heat the whole house and run up the bill so I try not to turn the furnace above 60 deg. My two little warming devices keep me really comfortable.
Wise
pretty much all my docs think neck is part of HEENT...I edit them. nm
Okay home is where the heart is but if you live in trailer park next door to red neck grits
with a mullet and bleached blond hair who drink beer all day and let their kids run wild, your little trailer park heart filled home becomes a bit of a headache because of the neighbors who may not have the same ideals or morals/ethics you do and they are SO CLOSE you can't shut them out of your world. Cheap housing brings in cheap people and in trailer parks you pretty much get what you get neighbor-wise. So my heart may be in my little trailer but my neighbors are part of my homelife.
any neck pain? Sounds like a cervical spine problem. And med advice.. you nee an xray!
You might be old enough for degenerative changes, or disc space narrowing. What you are describing could definitely come from cervical spine nerve root compressions. Does the symptomatology change when you reposition your neck or adjust your posture? See somebody, that's kinda-sorta something you shouldn't be messing with.
tongue tied doc -- The neck was drepped and praped in sterile fashion . . . thought you guys could
use a laugh!
With short arms, I need chair with shallow seat, good back support and high back. Want arm rests
:+
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