NeuroTalk Support Groups - Computer Caused?

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Computer Caused?

I believe my condition was caused by the computer - overuse.

How many others believe that their condition was also caused by overuse of the computer?

It most certainly contributed to mine! 12-14 hour days on it certainly put me in a place where it made me vulnerable. Then carrying heavy bags constantly on that arm did the rest.

Iam confused about the cause of mine, i fell down some stairs awkwardly about 6 months prior to my symptoms....suffering no bad pain afterwards but my neck did go backwards.

I was working in an office which involed all day long computer use - i think possibly that a combination of the fall and the computer caused it (my posture wasnt great - used to perch on the edge of my chair a LOT)...im seeing who is think is the only UK TOS specialist in a few weeks so perhaps he'llbe able to give his view on it!

I absolutely think it's because of the computer. That and poor posture at my desk. How many of us sit slumped over when we type? Or don't sit correctly on the chair?

Years and years of that - and I think also switching to an ergonomic keyboard has contributed... Maybe it was just a coincidence - but I got the symptoms months after switching.

I would definitely say computer use contributed to this. 12hr+ days on the computer, not a clue what ergonimcs were.....

from work -
static postures/positions, overuse, repetition, speed, strength and 10 hr workdays x 15 yrs.

My part of the "blame" was my drive to have the best quota numbers and low reject rates.
Got me very good raises but really did a number on me took about 3-4 yrs to get back to a mild chronic stage.

The fact that I have some hypermobility played a part too, but it's not usually noticed or mentioned until after someone is injured with multiple RSI type problems.:(

Quote:

Originally Posted by tshadow (Post 351108)

I believe my condition was caused by the computer - overuse.

How many others believe that their condition was also caused by overuse of the computer?

Absolutely no doubt about it! I was working a temp job where the desk was set up horribly....no keyboard tray or wrist rest, monitor 2 arm lengths away, having to hold the phone between my shoulder and my ear while typing, chair wouldn't fit up under the desk....add to that tight deadlines and cold office!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLS2007 (Post 351779)

I am sure my symptoms came from computer use, as I had no other trauma. I'm curious to know.... where did all of your symptoms start? in the neck area, hands, etc?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnydee (Post 352948)

I am sure my symptoms came from computer use, as I had no other trauma. I'm curious to know.... where did all of your symptoms start? in the neck area, hands, etc?

Mine started in the right shoulder blade area and quickly spread down my entire arm and has now moved up into my neck and is creeping over to the other side.

First, I want to thank all of you for replying. I know it takes effort to post - so THANK you all.

Second, as most of you know I was an attorney when I got sick. (Also pro tem judge for 6 years, although that didn't take computer work.) I think a reasonable amount of time I can say I was on the computer was 60 hours per week, including taking notes, picking at pages or picking up files and moving them about - and also having the phone on my neck. (I didn't get a headset until after I got sick. I worked a year sick.) I remember the day that the TOS went from hand pain, to all the way up my arm and to my neck and brain. It all swelled up on a Friday, and then instead of calming down over the weekend, it kept getting worse as I rested and it's never gone away since. 11/15/02.)

So my concern now is for my kids' generation as they use the computer for work, home and they are constantly texting. I realize TOS is somewhat rare, but I think it's on the rise, and I just haven't found an agency that is keeping numbers. I've checked the CDC, NINDS and OSHA. I haven't called them - I'll be doing that next when I can. I am VERY sick right now, bedridden since '04 has left me quite ill, and I've developed diabetes from the inactivity and/or the meds I've had to take.

If you all would email me, I'd like to talk further about my ideas to warn younger people and what I am going to try to do. I'd like to let you have an opportunity to be included, and of course this does NOT involve any money at all. But I don't want to post it all here. So my email is tamaraleslie@hotmail.com and from there I can paste and send you my thoughts on this, as we've already tried to contact Oprah, Montel, Mystery Diagnosis, so I'll tell you more of my ideas.

Again, thanks for answering this.

Also, I do know that TOS is caused by other occurrences or an "extra rib" or tumor. But that was not the case with me - I am sure it was computer, and I think I've had over 20 images taken now - MRI, CTs, with contrast, etc., and all of those are normal. That supports my belief that my problem is the set-up of the keyboard, mouse and time on the computer.

God bless you all. I'll respond to all who contact me.