Patricia Stoltey

Author

Writing Can Be a Pain in the Neck

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Writing can also be a pain in the shoulders, the back, the knees, and the wrists. We need to be very careful not to sit too long without getting up and stretching.

It’s hard to make myself get out of my writing chair and exercise when I’m on the home stretch of a novel’s first draft. Time evaporates. I’m stiff and sore before I realize what’s happening. Since I have a bit of arthritis and also experience occasional fibromyalgia flares, movement is absolutely necessary. A regular stretching program helps. Working out and weight training is useful. Yoga is also excellent.

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned how to do is a series of positions and stretches created by Pete Egoscue. Some of the program is similar to Yoga, but most of it is easier than Yoga. I’d recommend going to a clinic if you have one nearby, but the sessions are pricey and probably not covered by most writers’ insurance. However, there’s an easier and cheaper way to find out what the Egoscue Method is like.

Much of the theory and an illustrated guide to the program can be found in Egoscue’s excellent book, Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain. Your library may have a copy or might be willing to order it. I’m a firm believer in the method and always feel better when I’m following the program daily.

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Comments

  1. Patricia, I’m so glad you found Pain Free helpful! Sitting for long periods and writing can be painful – but it doesn’t have to be (neither does running, walking, swimming, or any other acticity) – it all depends on what your body is doing. If you have good posture and alignment then you can do anything without pain; but if you posture is compromised anything from running to bending to sitting to sleeping can become painful. The great thing is you can change it quickly by doing a menu of e-cises like you have to change your posture. All our clinics offer free consultations and many offer free introductory workshops that can be very helpful if your readers need advice on what to do to become pain free again. A list of the clinics can be found at http://www.egoscue.com and your readers can also find the book at any library or bookstore in the country. If we can be of assistence, let us know. Keep up the menus and stay pain free! Matt Whitehead – clinic director of Egoscue Portland

  2. Good “stuff” here. Liked the “self-doubt” post. I don’t have much of an issue in that arena, but the advisements are worthy. Then there is also the “fear of success” believe it or not, that keeps some peeps subconsciously unable to succeed.

    Marvin D Wilson

  3. I practice yoga. I find it helps, but I do still suffer from neck and upper shoulder ache when sitting at the computer too long. Will definately check out Egoscue. Must stretch!

  4. Thanks for visiting — now everyone stand up, lift your arms, stretch to the left, stretch to the right, touch your toes, and walk around the room three times. Okay…carry on.

    Roz — I love the idea of a treadmill in front of the computer but I’d get dizzy trying to read and type while walking. I’ve been thinking about buying a recumbant bicycle to put in front of the television though.

    Galen — I didn’t know about the problem with having ten feet. I’m clumsy enough with just two. 🙂

  9. I used to be a martyr to RSI and had acupunture, tests and other medical torture for a year. Then I discovered the gym. Some RSI problems are caused when nerves are compressed by wasted muscles, and I found that doing upper body exercises with weights sorted this out.

    I know two writing bloggers who have treadmills at their computers!

  10. This sounds good. I’m not so good with regular exercise except walking and that is because I have my personal trainer – my dog, Hoagy! He keeps me fit.

  12. I try to walk home from work most days to get in my exercise. Not quite as easy in the winter however 🙂

    Stretching is so important and I don’t do nearly enough of it!