“You have rotator cuff impingement syndrome…”

My mind flashed back to countless sports broadcasts. “Managers just announced that the star pitcher is out for the season with rotator cuff injury.” How many times had my favorite team’s playoff hopes evaporated with those words? But I hadn’t been pitching ninety mile an hour fast balls. The only pitches I did were to editors for my manuscripts.

“…a program of physical therapy,” my doctor continued, “strengthening and stretching the muscles to regain normal range of motion and eliminate the pain.”

Looking back with twenty-twenty hindsight, I can see what led me to this point. Six months ago I decided to pursue my dream to be a writer. In the evening, after a full day of working on a computer, I retired to my home office and sat at my computer. With the passionate enthusiasm of a novice I spent all my free time at the PC. I researched, wrote, attended chats, and checked emails. I joined an online critique group. There were not enough hours in the day to accomplish what I wished to do.

My dedication paid off. I received several acceptance letters. This only inspired me to work harder. I hunched before my glowing computer screen into the wee hours of the night. Driven to make up for wasted years, I ignored the stiffness in my neck and shoulder muscles. I ignored the warnings my body tried to send me. Now I could hardly pull on a sweater or drive my car without pain.

We think of writing as a mental exercise. We don’t consider the physical demands of hours at the computer. A serious writer would never send out work on cheap paper with improper margins and spacing, use an odd font, or neglect to proof read. Yet we plop ourselves down on any chair, work at keyboards and desks of incorrect height and stare at poorly lit screens. Repetitive strain injuries like rotator cuff impingement, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back problems, and eye strain can be the result.

Try approaching your writing habits as you would your manuscript: research, follow guidelines, and revise.

Research:

1. Learn about ergonomics: chairs, desk, and keyboard layouts.
2. Read about stretches: Yoga or other exercises to relieve cramped, overused muscles.
3. Become familiar with common office ailments: carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injury, eye strain, back and neck pain. Know the warning symptoms and how to avoid them.

Follow Guidelines:

1. Set up your desk, chair, and keyboard to be comfortable for your height and arm length. There is no ‘right’ way, only what is right for you.
2. Do a simple stretch routine before and after writing sessions. If you are going to write for more than an hour, schedule a break time to do another set of stretches.
3. Vary your activities. Take a computer break. Go out, observe, and take notes. Change positions.
4. Use a large easy to read font when working. You can always resize for submitting. Use as large a PC screen as possible. Make sure your workspace is well lit.

Revise Bad Habits:

1. Make stretches and breaks part of your regular routine.
2. Allow time for physical as well as mental exercise.
3. Listen to your body. If you feel stiff or sore don’t ignore it.
4. Consider your health as important as your work. Don’t take shortcuts on either.

By using the same professional approach with your body that you do with your writing, you can avoid common office related ailments. You won’t hear that sports announcer saying “you’re sidelined for the season” and you can continue to hurl winning pitches at the editors.