Neck and Shoulder Pain Meets Cure: A Mini Keyboard

Photo credit:  Ambro/Freedigitalphotos.net

Neck and shoulder pain should not be taken for granted, as it can be a symptom of a serious health problem that can be fatal when left unattended.

Chris complained of headache and a low-grade fever for days.  His condition was dismissed as stress, and therefore he was advised by family and friends to just take it easy for a while, take his meds, go and watch TV, and all those stuff people normally say to somebody who complains about bodily aches; perhaps, to whisk them away until they get better.  But Chris did not get better.  He died of meningitis.

What To Do

You will know when there is trouble if you only listen intently to what your body tries to tell you.  When neck and shoulder pain persists and gets intense, consult your doctor right away.  A doctor’s evaluation of your pain might just save your life.

At the hospital, your doctor will administer series of tests on you.  Perhaps, he will request for X-rays, CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including other basic tests.  If all tests return negative for any serious ailments, then you can heave a sigh of relief and think about ergonomics!

Ergonomics and a Mini Keyboard

“One Size, Fits All” can apply to apparels,  but definitely not when it comes to office equipments and accessories.  To prevent repetitive stress injuries at work, it is advisable to “customize” your office equipments and accessories, according to your own bodily requirements.  

Heart attack, anxiety and carpal tunnel syndrome are but few ailments that stress in a poor work environment causes; neck and shoulder pain another.

Five Steps to Remedy Neck and Shoulder Pain 

First, visit your doctor if pain in your neck region, including your shoulders gets intense, or does not go away after you have taken some pain-relieving, over the counter drugs.  Pain can be a symptom of a serious ailment, so don’t take your chances.

Once cleared by your doctor from any medical issues, you may consider these five steps to protect yourself from work-induced stress:

1.   Save your hand and wrist from carpal tunnel syndrome by using an ergonomically-

engineered mini-keyboard;

2.   Use computer screens to minimize the glare from your computer monitor;

3.   Sit comfortably on an ergonomics chair.  It is one that has lumbar support.

4.   Put your feet flat on the floor, with space under your desk for your legs.

5.   Customize your workplace by choosing only ergonomics office equipments and 

accessories.

Read More: Shoulder and Neck Pain - Causes and Treatment

Neck and shoulder pain can be remedied without using surgery; however, it should be treated immediately before your condition worsens and permanent disability sets in.  Invest on ergonomics, and you will be making the best investment yet:  your health.

A Mini Keyboard Plus 4 Other Ways to Treat Shoulder Pain

Ergo Mini Flex Bluetooth Keyboard

Why a mini keyboard?  Surprisingly, when shoulder pain is not a symptom of a serious health condition, a person who uses his computer for long hours will find immediate relief from using a mini-keyboard.

Not just any mini keyboard. Look for ergonomically-engineered mini keyboard, and if your resources still allow for a desk and a chair, also include these items in your purchase and totally transform your place of work into an ergonomic workplace.

Commonly, shoulder pain is caused by frequent tensing of the shoulder muscles due to stress; however, if pain persists, you should seek medical intervention before your condition worsens.

There is more to shoulder pain than what is beneath your collar bones. When shoulder pain causes too much discomfort, it might be a symptom of bursitis or dislocation of a collar bone, or injury to it. It is advisable to seek medical intervention when pain does not seem to go away, as it is only a medical professional who can rule out serious conditions that may put your health in peril.

Where does the mini keyboard come in? Good question.

For long computer use, repetitive strain injury is common. It is painful and recurring, and if not treated immediately, may cause partial or total disability on the affected area, commonly the wrist or the hand.

Here are 4 Other Ways you can minimize, if not totally eliminate, shoulder pain:

1. Observe good posture at all times;

2. Do not overuse your muscles. Take a break.

3. Massage may help, including light motion exercises of shoulder, neck and arms;

4. Muscle relaxant may be helpful, but it is wise to consult a doctor first. Self-medication is risky, and may put your life in danger. In some instances, injection of corticosteroids eliminates pain.

Protect your fingers and wrists from repetitive strain injury by trading-in your traditional keyboard with an ergonomic mini-keyboard, and bid shoulder pain goodbye!

Buy a Mini-Keyboard and Become a Successful Data Entry Clerk from Home

The global financial crisis has hit some families like “a thief in the night”.  However, since time immemorial, it is during difficult times that some people would find their opportunities of a lifetime. 

Meet Ciara, a Stay-at-Home Parent

Ciara  started to work from home a couple of years back, and save for the throbbing pain on her left wrist, she never regretted her decision to make a switch between her corporate suit and her kitchen apron at home.  Ciara, just like some parents and those who are physically-challenged have embarked on work-at-home opportunities, and never looked back to employment since then.

As full-time, data-entry clerk from home, Ciara makes good money, but the pain on her wrist has brought her to at least a couple of chiropractors, and has used up a portion of her savings.  Her condition did not improve, until she read about mini-keyboards.

“Small, but terrible” speaks well about a mini-keyboard.  It has all the features of a traditional keyboard, save for its size.  However, not all mini-keyboards are created equal.  The one Ciara got was an ergonomics mini-keyboard.

The Ideal Mini-Keyboard

Ultra Mini Multimedia Keyboard

The best mini-keyboard is one that is ergonomically-designed to suit the hands and wrists of its user.  When it comes to long use of the keyboard, the phrase, “fits one, fits all”, does not apply.

The Danger with Traditional Keyboards

It has been proven that prolonged use of keyboards that are not ergonomically-designed for the user may cause repetitive stress injury on his hand and wrist.  Generally characterized by pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, when left untreated may worsen and cause disability.  Such was (almost!) Ciara’s case.

 Switch to Ergonomics

The term “ergonomics” has gathered moss in not so distant past, but today it has created a buzz on the internet.  It is now attached to every mini-keyboard, desk, chair and office accessories in order to command a sale.  Why the sudden interest?

Ergonomic mini-keyboards and other ergonomically-designed office and home equipments, such as computer keyboards, office chairs and desks are designed in such a way that motion of the joints are minimized to avoid repetitive stress injuries.

Mini-Keyboard and Work-at-Home Opportunities

When repetitive stress injuries are avoided, your productivity level increases.  Be it in full-time employment or work-at-home opportunities, your success depends on your output. 

Welcome to my Site!

Hi, my name is Christiene.  My blog’s title “Home and Office Ergonomics” is a misnomer because my blog will try to deliver a plethora of information - not just the usual ergonomic stuff you read about in ergonomic books and health journals.  I will share with you the nitty-gritty of parenting, and of homemaking; money matters, careers, sleep aids, common health problems, wellness stuff, and gadgets that make a lot of buzz on the internet.  Enjoy your visit!