NeuroTalk Support Groups - Finding jobs given computer-related injury

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- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (https://www.neurotalk.org/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/)

- - Finding jobs given computer-related injury (https://www.neurotalk.org/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/221899-finding-jobs-computer-related-injury.html)

Typing and most desk work is a very static "holding" posture for the most part.

That posture makes your upper back muscles have to hold the extra weight of the head and arms while they are forward of the body... the constant tension in those muscles is a big part of the problem.

tension in muscles = lack of blood flow & oxygen to those same muscles..
so they get strained /stretched and often trigger points..
If continued with no changes spasms come next..

Much of this can be fixed with serious focus on posture /opposite postures, and a lot of time away from those duties, but often many can't take the time away.

But an expert TOS dr / expert PT / expert DC , is a good idea to make sure there is no anatomical reason or causes for yourTOS.

Anatomical factors are usually the clearest reason to look into surgery, as well as serious vascular symptoms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abettertomorrow (Post 1169362)

Typing is one of the most painful TOS related activities I can think of. I got better after surgery to the point where I could actually type comfortably for long periods of time but my left hand has become recompressed recently and so I am typing this with one hand! I used to be a computer programmer but I had to give that up. Having pinched nerves sucks!

Now here is my advice, find a surgeon and find a surgeon fast. Waiting and "healing" won't do anything if you genuinely have TOS because there is nothing to heal. You have a structural abnormality that needs fixing. PT may work as well but I've wasted 1.5 years on that noise for only tears and lost time. I also rested for 8+ months. I found that setting up appointments with Drs in the states was easy (I live outside the USA) as I just needed to phone up their office and I didn't even need a referral.

After surgery I was able to do things I had lost the ability to do like holding a fork with my thumbs or clicking on a mouse.

Thanks for the advice. Hope the recompressed hand heals quickly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jo*mar (Post 1169391)

Thanks for the input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abettertomorrow (Post 1169362)

I used to be a computer programmer but I had to give that up. Having pinched nerves sucks!

If you don't mind my asking, have you found other work to replace being a programmer?

Also, I have heard of computer programmers with severe Repetitive Strain Injury making use of Dragon software to stay employed. I think it all depends on the kind of work you do. I can send you some links and a good forum to peruse if you are interested.