I’m having a bit of a problem lately. It’s a real pain in the neck.
Literally…a pain in the neck.
You see, years ago when I started this writing thing, I used to work at a desk in an office. Okay, a desk in my dining room. Then we moved and I got my own office. Okay, I got a desk in my former laundry room.
But now we have a big enough house that I have my own real office…but I no longer work at a desk. My lower back problems were so severe several years ago (including surgery) that I just can’t deal with sitting at a regular desk chair. I got into the habit of working in a recliner with my laptop (and yay, I got a new one…it’s pretty and red!) And I’ve written that way for a lot of books.
After all this time, though, I’m now having serious neck pain. I think it’s pretty obvious that it’s because I’m in the recliner and have to tilt my head forward to look down at the laptop. So far, though, I haven’t found a better alternative!
So I’m looking for ideas–if you work at a computer, writing or doing whatever–where do you do it? Anybody ever use some kind of portable desk that you can slide under a bed or a chair? (Writing in bed, next I’ll be investing in pink feathered negligees and scantily clad male secretaries… :happy2: )Seriously, though, I have major work to do and the pain is interfering with me doing it.
Any suggestions?
Leslie Kelly used to say she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but then she discovered Nancy Drew books. Being a flashlight-under-the-covers-nose-in-book reader throughout her childhood, she couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather do as an adult than continue to lose herself in fictional stories. Her real life marriage of 20 years to the man of her dreams is a constant reinforcement that happily-ever-afters really can happen…and that they’re worth writing about. Living in Maryland, Leslie spends her non-writing time laughing a lot with the above-mentioned romance hero and their three daughters. Though an author of more than thirty sexy, contemporary comedies, she has recently branched out to write dark romantic suspense under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I wish I could help you Leslie but I don’t have any ideas here. Good luck, and I really hope you find something to alleviate the pain.
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I’m really sorry about your neck pain!! I have issues with my neck because of a water skiing accident and I constantly deal with neck and shoulder pain. One of the things the doctor recommended to me was a portable lap top desk that does exactly like you mentioned, it can slide under the sofa, or the bed, and you can adjust it to the height that works for you.
Levenger is a company that sells desk/writing supplies. They’re very expensive, but you can go onto their website and see the exact desk she showed to me. Then she suggested I go find a less expensive one! :happy2:
I ended up taking temporary custody of my son’s computer desk when he moved in with some friends for a couple of weeks. It helped so much, and made my neck feel so much better that I took over permanent custody of his desk. Now he has his dining room table moved into his room, using it as a desk, waiting for me to go get him a new computer desk since I stole his!
I sure hope you find something that works – soon!!!
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I can relate to your back pain. I don’t know about the neck pain or if it would help. There is a company called Relax the Back. I found a chair there that works for me. It has adjustments that can help put your back, neck and head in proper alignment. It is also very well padded (with memory foam) that helps relieve the stress and maintain cooler temperatures.
As is usual with these things, the chairs are pricey. But I can honestly say that I could not work on my computer without this chair.
I hope you find a solution to your problem. Living with constant pain is not a fun way to live.
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Leslie I completely understand. I had back surgery 1 year ago and was regulated to bed and the recliner. Honestly, I couldn’t write at the beginning because the position that I was most comfortable in made writing on a laptop impossible, but after a few months my daughter bought me a lap top stand that sits across your lap. She got it a WalMart for about $25.00 and it fits across your lap and brings the computer up higher so that your neck won’t hurt. I swear by mine and highly recommend it for you. It may be a cheaper alternative to an expensive desk and if it doesn’t work, your daughter can use it. LOL
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I don’t have any suggestion other than the ones already suggested. I don’t have neck problems, but my neck hurts when I use my laptop while sitting in bed. I might just look into one of those laptop stands for myself.
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I also have neck and back pain, I have a recliner that I use for reading and some times sleeping. I use a soft Chennile throw that I put behind my head and adjust it untill it feels just right to give me the right support. Massage, and a moist heating pad also helps for relief. I hope you feel better!
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I can’t do the recliner on a regular basis, but hubby got me a glider/recliner with a seperate footstool that is very comfy. His chair is just too big and my legs really bother me.
When I had my surgery he also got me a backrest from Brookstone http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=431254&cross_flag=y&cm_sp=Exit*Crosssell*1&wid=6&cid=6015&sid601501&search_type=subcategory&search_words=&prodtemp=t2 that I adore. I use it all the time, which means I probably spend far more time lying in bed than I really should. But then I also have a TV, fridge and the a/c up there, so why leave?
This is the lap desk- http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?pid=450858&wid=6&cid=6015&sid=601501&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t2 which is on sale now. figures. I love it though and I use it with my laptop in the chair or on the bed, or travelling in the car.
there was also another idea that I wanted to try but the web page is no longer available. If I find it I will pass it on to you.
Hope you feel better. I have arthritis in my spine and hips and am allergic to almost all the meds, so I can feel your pain. I tend to move my position a lot and it seems to help too.
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I also use a U-shaped pillow behind my neck. it forces me to keep my head upright and I can still type, etc while reclining.
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Sorry to hear about your neck pain….I use my laptop on my hubby’s old work desk and for a chair, I use a little step stool (I wouldn’t recommend it).
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Recliner friendly laptop desk like
http://www.laptop-laidback.com/
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I injured my lower back a number of years ago (typing!), and my doctor recommended using a standing desk. You can buy them on the Internet at varying heights, although I just got a round “pub table” and a couple barstools that I can lean in when I get tired standing.
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I’m sorry to hear about your pain Leslie. I understand. Both of my neck and back pain comes from multiple car accidents over the years(all of which i was a passenger). So I’ve struggled time and again with both. So it’s hard for me to find comfort anywhere I write, so I just stick it out. But I have found something that helps me a heck of a lot. I’m sure everyone’s heard of it. The memory foam stuff. I use a Tempurpedic pillow.
Not your standard pillow, because that would be annoying. But literally just a big enough square, and I use it all the time. For neck and back. When neck starts to hurt I just move it up from my back. lol. The great thing about anything tempurpedic is that it’s not big and bulky, so It’s comfortable anywhere you use it. I would recommend it to anyone. Hope this helps! :pray:
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Hugs on the neck pain, Leslie. I wish I had a really good suggestion for you but I don’t. Sorry. The only thing I can think of is one of those curved neck pillows.
I write at a desk and used to have a lot of back pain but I finally bit the bullet and bought an expensive desk chair. I should have gotten one years ago because it really made all the difference. Now I don’t have back pain anymore. I can’t write on a lap top because I use an ergonomic Wave keyboard and I have an ergonomic mouse pad as well.
I hope you find a solution soon!! :hug2:
Cher
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For immidate relief/acute pain start with putting an ice pack with a paper towel over the area for 20 min. each hr. If you are using heat stop. Heat causes the muscles to expand and also will inflam the muscles.
The chair is the a good start. They now have the ball chair which has you sit correctly and also because of the ball it takes pressure of the neck and back from the sitting.
I would also try and find a chiropractor/acupunctrist. My dad is one and I am not a writer but I sit behind the computer with my job. I never have back or neck pain with regular adjustments. regular adjustments also increase the messages to flow better from the brain to other areas of the body and you will perform at 100%
and go on allday about the benefits of getting regular chiropractic care, but I won’t. Most dr.s will do a free consult and you can interview each one. Let them know what conditions you have, what you hope to acclomphish and ask how can they help you. also talk to people in your area and see who they go to.
I could stand on a
I will say one thing because my children get regular treatments they have never had a earache or been sick(knocking on wood) and they are 8 & 6.
It makes a differnce if you have questions about a chiropractor I may be able to answer them for you. (I am his Physician Asst.)
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Leslie – like everyone else responding, I can identify with the neck and back pain. Additionally, I have carpal tunnel in the right wrist. I have a decent desk chair and with additional lumbar support and changing positions (getting up to let the dogs out, answer the phone, etc.) often, I’m usually okay. Mainly, I use a split ergonomic keyboard, which rocks! However, I also end up on the laptop more often than not. I’m not big on “As Seen on TV” items and, in fact, hadn’t actually seen this product until I walked into a Staples store. It’s the MyPlace Personal Laptop/Multi-Function Workstation. http://www.myplaceworkstation.com/ I got it for $10 bucks less at the local Staples store than what it is advertised online. It works great for me, either in the lounge chair or couch in the den or in bed. I don’t use the light too often (it’s battery powered) but when the hubby wants lights low for the TV and I’m still working, it’s great. It will even fit in a large suitcase for when we travel. I haven’t actually tried it in the car – might be a little large and bulky.
Good luck. I feel your pain. (
I just couldn’t resist. My bad! *swats herself*) Seriously, though, I hope you find something that works for YOU! That’s the most important thing.
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Wow, these are really some terrific suggestions! I have checked out the lap desks, which I think would be great. I have a lap one that just sits on your lap right now, and it’s too low (which is why I have to bend my neck) so something that sits a little higher might be just the ticket.
That one you use while lying flat in bed cracked me up. Barbara Cartland, here I come…
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I occasionally get neck pain if I spend too much time sitting in a chair with my lap top. So, what I do is go lay down on my bed with the lap top in front of me. Not only does it force me to keep my head up, but it also stretches my back so that I can alleviate any back pain I feel as well. Of course, that can only last for a little while and then I have to sit up again. I find myself changing positions a lot whenever I’m doing anything on a computer, which can get interesting when I’m at work.
I do like the idea of a standing desk, though. It might be another thing to try out.
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Hi Leslie,
I’m sorry you are now having neck pain along with your back problems. It seems like others have given you some good suggestions. You might be wise to consult with your doctor about what would be best for your physical condition. My problems only come about when I spend to much time on the computer!! When that happens I just need to get up & move around, do something else! If your doctor can’t help maybe he can suggest an ergonomic specialist that would an expert in this type of problem. Good luck, I hope you find a good soultion soon. Maybe changing positions & where you are working every couple of hours would help. :hug2: Let us know if you find something that helps.
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:wub:
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I couldn’t get on at all yesterday
some HTTP server 
Leslie,
You got some really good suggestions today I hope you find the best solution for you
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I think my whole family can totally understand neck pain, here’s three things that has helped me.
my best freind has a clinc in Acupuncture and although it may seem farfetech to some, really does work.
Also a nice Massage will also help with your pain and help you relax, if this happens more and more try taking up Yoga, this will help you relax and release the strain your neck is under while your writing.
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I’m going to tell you from experience, if you’re feeling it, STOP THE MOTION THAT IS CAUSING IT like yesterday.
Since CA, I have had physical therapy until my insurance company stopped paying. I’ve given up the laptop 98%. Just once a night (like now) for email.
I bought one of those neck travel pillows (the U shaped one) and use it whenever I am in bed. Even just watching TV. That has made THE MOST difference for me.
I went back to the desktop … although it’s not 100% solution b/c I still would rather write on the recliner on the Alphasmart but it’s shorter spurts of writing, then to the desktop to upload and print, make corrections, input on the desktop. I try not to do any motion for any extended period of time. Seriously, once you hit the point of feeling it, it only gets worse if you continue that same position.
BUT my U-shaped pillow is getting soft/flat. Can someone recommend an online place to buy?
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Travel pillow + laptop riser. Those two things can help by reducing the strain on your neck muscles and raising up the screen to eye level.
Another thing you MUST, MUST, MUST try is to get a wireless keyboard for your laptop. That way you can position the screen wherever/however you want, and your hands aren’t tied to the screen.
Best of luck!
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Wireless keyboard and mouse- my fave things!!
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I use a tray that my husband made for me – it sits on my lap with the laptop on it and that brings it higher, so that I don’t have to bend the neck so much. It is very similar to those foldaway desks so I think that might work for you. I hope you find a solution and that the pain in the neck goes away.
Oh and don’t get male secretaries – get yourself a male masseur and have him available 24/7 for a back and neck massage whilst you are writing. Tell the husband it’s a necessity
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I had a wooden laptop cart. But the support metal bar which was linking laptop desk and mouse desk broke within 5 months and it became totally unusable. Today i got this Myplace after seeing the local ad in Linens n Things with a 20% coupon. It worked out to 24$. So far okay. I like the mousepad and the attached light system. This is foldable and portable. This could just work for you as you don’t have to incline even 1 inch from the couch to get to the keyboard.