As a group, we writers may just have the worst posture on the planet. That would be bad enough, but all that slouching over a computer can also cause pain. And that’s really not good. But there are ways to eliminate writing pain.
My favorite new stretch to counter both comes from my High Desert Oasis trainer Scott Lemon. After two years of constant pain and a neck as rigid as a two-by-four, I now keep two gallon jugs filled with water handy. When my shoulders feel tight (and when do they not after I’ve been at my desk for a while), I pick up the jugs, put my arms at my sides and feel all those muscles in my neck, traps, arms and hands begin to lengthen.
Then I thrust out my jaw so that my head actually moves forward and shrug up. I hold that shrug as long as I can, then release and literally let the weight of the water-filled jugs pull everything toward the floor. I consciously remind myself to let all my muscles be long and loose.
I repeat the shrugs followed by releases four or five times. Then I do four quick shrugs back to back followed by a final, long release period where I try and let all the tension just slip away.
Try it the next time your neck and shoulders start to scream. I hope you find the relief I have.
I love it. A quick little guide to feeling better. I am so glad you have made this a part of your life, and feel confident enough in the result to recomend to others. And thanks for the plug.
Not sure how much good it will do, but you’ve saved me. It’s tough enough to write without having to endure physical pain because of one’s craft.