The Hardest Thing

Aside from "where do you get your ideas" and "I have an idea - how do I get a book published" the most common question I get seems to be "What's the hardest thing about writing?"

My answer may surprise a lot of people - typing.

No, it's not because I don't know how to type. I type very well. In fact, at my last test, I typed over 120 wpm. That's not tortoise speed, for sure. No, the reason is because I have an inoperable mid-back injury (referred to loosely as an "impact injury") and the typing position is one that aggravates my back the most. Essentially, what happens is that when my arms are lifted and extended out, it pulls on my middle back. The vertebrae there are weak from injury and they start to shift to one side, which makes the muscles flare and harden and pinch a nerve that runs up my spine through my neck and out to the end of each arm. Very painful when in the 7+ - 10 range of flare.

Many, many people have this type, or similar, back problems, and let's face it, age is NOT our friend. So I thought I'd talk about the things I do to keep my back pain to a minimum, while still managing to type 12-14 hours a day.

First off, I have an excellent therapist. I saw him twice a week for months to get my spine straight again, but once we got in back in line, I only have to see him for monthly maintenance or the occasional extra visit if I've overdone it and stressed my back too much. Make sure when choosing a chiropractor/therapist, you choose one that is highly reputable. Mine was recommended by a back surgeon, so I figured that's as good a recommendation as you can get.

Second, take frequent breaks. I am one of those people who gets working and forgets, so I set a timer on my computer to remind me to stand and stretch every 30 minutes.

Third, make sure you're working in the most ergonomic way possible for YOUR situation. No solution is one size fits all because all injuries are different. Make sure your equipment is working for you and not against.

Fourth, I went the extra step and bought an air desk. When working at home (I don't have one at the day job), I spend part of my day working while standing, which works a completely different set of muscles. And it's really good for your circulatory and respiratory system. Here's a pic of the air desk I have. It is adjustable height and can be used with my treadmill, although I use it most often with a wall-mounted 32" monitor, so that way, I'm not bending my neck down to see the screen.

Fifth, I have a tens unit (a small box that sends a steady flow of electricity into the muscle groups you've placed the pads on. It fits on my belt loop and can be worn all day with people rarely even noticing I have it on. I also have a spa tub and a spa outside that I use on a regular basis.

Sixth, my newest acquisition, which arrives tomorrow is a zero gravity massage chair. This will allow me to remove all weight from my back while also receiving either a relaxing massage or stretching massage. Here's a pic of the chair.

I've also made a ton of small adjustments - carry smaller purses with less weight. Carry a backpack when carrying more weight so that it's evenly distributed. I stopped doing any chores that stressed my back and hired those out to people with healthy backs. And a host of other things.

It sounds like a lot, and it is, BUT if my back is flared, I can't work except in horrible pain, so I take all these steps to ensure I can continue to work at the pace *I* want - not at the pace my body wants to dictate.

Deadly DeLeon