A pain in the neck!

[arron]

Hi Guys,

My age has finally caught up me.  I haven't been able to work on (read, break) any watches for the last couple weeks due to a herniated cervical disc.  Lots of fun, NOT.  As I recuperate I'm thinking about a work station that might be more user friendly for a painful neck.  Maybe some of you older chaps have had to create a work-around to continue with the trade/hobby.  I've thought about a much elevated desk where I could stand and work at eye or shoulder level.  Right now I can't stand (or sit) at my desk computer for more than a few minutes, even though I put a box and plank of wood to elevate the keyboard and monitor; but maybe as I heal, working standing up might be a good option.  With that, I am wondering if others have had to compensate for old age (especially back, neck, shoulder limitations), and what you came up with that helps.  And perhaps, what made things worse.

I hope that all who celebrate had a great Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all.  Arron.

[oldhippy]

Sorry to hear about the problems with your health. I have mentioned may times on here posture is so important. I had to pack it in due to poor posture which left me with spondylitis of the neck. I was diagnosed with it when I was around 40 the specialist said the wear in my neck was from someone who should be in there 70's. I googled what you have and it says over the counter meds and physical therapy can help. One thing that helped me was this Ergonomic Kneeling Chair they are so comfortable. I wish you all the best for the New Year. Let us know how you are getting on. Here is a link for the chair.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CASART-Kneeling-Ergonomic-Orthopaedic-Posture/dp/B07FVPBQRL/ref=asc_df_B07FVPBQRL/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=345504571362&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18310946125231996355&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006662&hvtargid=pla-734972430933&mcid=99af9cf8284a367c9ebbbef6e57a62ce&th=1

[HectorLooi]

I was from a profession that is very prone to neck and back problems... dentistry. 

After 36 years of working as a dentist, I decided to retire last year at a relatively early age of 60. Neck and back problems were contributing factors.

At the age 40, I had an acute episode of back pain. I bent down to pick up the morning papers and a bolt of electricity ran up and down my spine. I was on all fours and couldn't get up for a couple of minutes. Getting back into bed was torture and getting out of bed was even worse.

I refused to see an orthopedic surgeon because they would always want to cut you up. After spending thousands of dollars on chiropractic treatments, I finally got some semblance of my life back when my chiropractor got a new 3D traction table. During one of the traction sessions, I actually felt something pop back into place and haven't had acute pain ever since. 

But low-grade chronic pain has been with me ever since. Some days are better than others. Certain activities were a definitely out of the question. 

I spent thousands of dollars on ergonomic office furniture but that didn't really help. In fact, a  manufacturer of ergonomic furniture secretly told me that the inventors of ergonomics, the Swedes, were rethinking the impact of ergonomics. They have come to realize that putting everything at arms reach was actually detrimental. The core muscles actually weakened from lack of use.

What help me was becoming aware of my posture all the time. Avoiding things that put unnecessary strain on the body. Like slouching in front of the TV, hunching over my work and getting optical aids like surgical loupes and microscopes. And learning how to "crack" my own back. 

You will have to discover what works for you yourself. Everybody hurts differently. Everybody heals differently.

Good luck on your journey.

[RichardHarris123]

I know that bolt of lightning all too well, with me it also went where no man would want it to go.  My back and knees was a major factor in giving up manual work in my mid twenties.  Sometimes both my back and knees are sore but no more bolts.

[Neverenoughwatches]

3 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I know that bolt of lightning all too well, with me it also went where no man would want it to go.  My back and knees was a major factor in giving up manual work in my mid twenties.  Sometimes both my back and knees are sore but no more bolts.

Starting weight lifting at the relatively late age of my mid 40s strengthened all the weak areas of my body including my back. I would recommend some form of resistance training to anyone.

Edited December 29, 2023 by Neverenoughwatches

[RichardHarris123]

13 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

. I would recommend some form of resistance training to anyone.

I have resistance to anything to do with training.  Gym is a swear word to me.  Hehe. 

[arron]

I really appreciate all those great suggestions and tips.  I'll be considering all of them.  I'd probably buy snake oil at a premium price at this point.  I'm 60, the same age as hectorlooi, and I also (semi) retired at the end of last year.  As a lawyer I spent a fair amount of time hunched over a keyboard or a legal pad.  I've had lots of pinched nerves over the years, but nothing like this.  It really makes you appreciate not having pain; something I took for granted before.

 I'm going to start looking at reviews for kneeling chairs.  Oldhippy, I'm curious if you can use one for watch repair, since the bench is higher than a normal desk, or if you use it for all your other sitting activities only; such as watching tv, doing computer work, etc.?

[oldhippy]

I used it just for watch and clock work. It certainly helped me. It is very comfortable. The one I showed is the same one I had.  

[HectorLooi]

41 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

I used it just for watch and clock work. It certainly helped me. It is very comfortable. The one I showed is the same one I had.  

Does the kneeling chair help with neck problems? I always thought it was more for mid and lower back problems.

I went with saddle stools because I needed to operate the foot pedals of my dental equipment. They were supposed to correct your sitting posture and strengthen your core muscles. The saddle seat is mounted on an elastic suspension system that was supposed to work the core muscles and strengthen them. After an hour on a saddle stool, you'll get "saddle sore" and have to get up and move around. I'm not sure if this is an intended feature. 

[oldhippy]

It certainly helped me, it didn't cure the problem. I still have to take meds everyday and I have been for years. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

15 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I have resistance to anything to do with training.  Gym is a swear word to me.  Hehe. 

Haha behave, you dont have to hammer the gym to get strong and fit. 3 hours a week is more than enough to notice the benefits in a short space of time.

[rossjackson01]

I know this seems silly to some, but I have taught Kuatsu most of my adult life. It's part of the training for my black belts. 

I can get rid of your pain, but not the cause of the problem. Try this.

Get something round about the size of a rolling pin, No, it's not to hit you or me with. I am being very serious.

Sit down and place the roller on the floor. If the pain is one the right side, you are going to use the right foot. Left side, left foot.

Without shoes on, place your foot on the roller, just on the toes, then roll your foot gently forwards so the heel is now at then end and on the roller. Repeat this back and forwards movement very gently for a few minutes. Do not press hard. Just do it resting the foot on the roller.

This agitates the medial nerve that is for the back Removes pain. If you move and the pain has eased, great. But don't make sudden moves as the pain is less.  The problem has not gone, just a little of the pain.

I learned it as Kuatsu, some people call it reflexology, others sell machines that are on the floor and vibrate. This is cheaper.

It works, it has cost you nothing. It it doesn't, then  nothing lost. 

 

Hope this helps

Regards

Ross

 

 

[oldhippy]

I have never been to a gym and I don't intend to start, it would kill me. 

Edited December 30, 2023 by oldhippy

[HectorLooi]

Cervical Neck Traction Device Over Door for Home Use, Portable Neck Stretcher Hammock for Neck Pain Relief, Physical Therapy AIDS for Neck Decompressor. https://amzn.asia/d/902tzCu

I think this device would work better for the neck. I've not used it though but I've seen YT videos on its use.

[oldhippy]

I was thinking just as well this didn't start with a pain in the ass God knows what members would have come up with that includes me.

[Neverenoughwatches]

9 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

I was thinking just as well this didn't start with a pain in the ass God knows what members would have come up with that includes me.

Behave OH even joking, i dont think you realise how important you are to forum.

[watchweasol]

Hi Old Hippy I think we are all a pain in the ass some times. Good job you haven’t lost your sense of humor. A good laugh and a cheerful disposition helps a log.   Since age 65, had a bucket load of problems latterly Covid but still get a laugh out of life. 
 

Happy New Year to everyone

[Neverenoughwatches]

14 minutes ago, watchweasol said:

Hi Old Hippy I think we are all a pain in the ass some times. Good job you haven’t lost your sense of humor. A good laugh and a cheerful disposition helps a log.   Since age 65, had a bucket load of problems latterly Covid but still get a laugh out of life. 
 

Happy New Year to everyone

I second that, if you cant laugh at life  then eventually you're going to cry about it and that is just not a good place to be. Find fun in everything you do its the best medicine there is. 

[oldhippy]

I have been told I have an odd sense of humor. It must be the med's I take, no one in the family are anything like me. 

[RichardHarris123]

I think that most of us on here are probably a bit odd. I definitely am, I've been told enough times. Oh well. 

[oldhippy]

11 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I think that most of us on here are probably a bit odd. I definitely am, I've been told enough times. Oh well. 

Welcome to the club.

[Neverenoughwatches]

50 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

I think that most of us on here are probably a bit odd. I definitely am, I've been told enough times. Oh well. 

Well i didn't want to say anything, but now that you've mentioned it

[Neverenoughwatches]

On 12/29/2023 at 8:25 PM, RichardHarris123 said:

I have resistance to anything to do with training.  Gym is a swear word to me.  Hehe. 

Carrying any extra muscle mass you can into old age seriously has real benefits. Toned muscles support joints, absorb joint impacts that can otherwise cause trauma injuries that never get better. What is gained mentally from this kind of exercise or any exercise for that matter is huge compared to the effort involved of working out. I'm not just talking about sweating it out in the gym but if you can safely then that's great. If all that can be managed is sat in a chair and raising tins of beans in front of yourself and above your head that has exactly the same effect. Folk just need to find the right level of intensity that benefits them without overdoing it. The body is a series of motors doing different things in everyday life, sometimes individually, sometimes combining to work in synergy with each other to complete a set task. A 2 horse power mechcanical motor is always a 2 horse power motor that eventually mechanically breaks down through overload. A body's 2 horse power motor can become a 3 horse power motor with overload, and rebuild from good nutrition and rest. That newly built 3 horse power motor can then do 2 horsepower work, faster and with less effort.  Resistance training overload 101.

[GPrideaux]

If I may dare to steer the conversation back to the original question, I can't speak highly enough of having a height adjustable desk. I got one when I had to work from home for a bit during COVID so I could work sitting or standing, and it's been great for watch work. The other big ergonomic improvement was getting a stereo microscope. With that you don't have to be with your eyeballs a few cm from the work.