cervical disc degeneration - is the computer to blame

Dear Fellow forum members,


I have what been dignosed as cervical disc degeneration C5-C6 , and have had it for almost four years, recnetly i had a reccurence of the left hand numbness and neck pain , so back to the usual NSAIDS - soft-collar for 5 days- physio therapy routine which usually works well . only this time it has not. for 5 weeks i have been at this , still the same problem, my doctor keeps saying you need to limit your computer sessions to less taht five minutes per session, impossible since I am medica IT Biomed and av Avid flight simulation addict.
my question is is all this to do with my computer addiction or not.



fathi

As your physiotherapist to observe your posture first to see what is abnormal in your posture
then ask him the correct posture so you can adopt it while sitting infront of computer, also do the excercises that your physiotherapist taught you ( Do them every 30 min). relax you reslf as much as you can , and be cool because nervous increase neck pain
also use a hot back applied while you are sitting on you office ( applied for 15 min)

Dear hessa,

Thank you for your reply ,
i showed your reply to my physio and he did show me the correct posture
I just never seem to keep it for long.

my physio thinks i am too tense period, hes probably right, mind u I live in a tense country, Palestine, so its hard to relax .

when you say hot packs, what are these , un mean hot watre bottles, where should i apply them and how long

thanks again for taking the time to reply
fathi

Hi
I think the problem you have described is suffered by many others like you and there is not much to worry about. Your probably require a thorough assessment of cervical spine, posture as well as your habits. Additionally, you also need to understand the activities and the intervals in which you suffer the most and what probably gives you relief.
Postural re-education, strengthening of weak muscles, avoiding painful activities or modifying them for some time, evaluating your workstation and use of a good pillow while sleeping are the key areas you need to work on.

dear param_d99


thank u for your encouraging words , I think I am getting there, i have just bought a new special pillow, a new betetr mattress, and raised the level of my screen up about 20cm. bought a home traction device and looking for a shoulder neck hot pack, ill tell you how i get on

thanks for taking the time to help me
excellent forum

fathi

dear param_d99


thank u for your encouraging words , I think I am getting there, i have just bought a new special pillow, a new betetr mattress, and raised the level of my screen up about 20cm. bought a home traction device and looking for a shoulder neck hot pack, ill tell you how i get on

thanks for taking the time to help me
excellent forum

fathi

Well it's nice to know that you have started to work on all the issues together, I had actaully forgot to mention that incase we donot look into all the matters in one go, your problem can't be treated nicely.

Good luck and Get well soon.:)

hi apart from this ergonomics and neck care program , you can do isometric neck exercises and some mild shoulder exercises (for the scapula) after the traction.it will facilitate better movement.how long you put the traction? get an idea fromyour therapists regarding it.

The original question was if the computer is to blame. Yes it is. You tell you are addicted to a flight simulation program. This will most likely make you turn your head in certain positions. Also in general it is not advisable for no one to stay in one posture over a longer period which would be 0.5 hours. Computergames will tempt you to do it much and much longer. In case you have already a problem with your neck it will not help. For sure if you have already some radiation/ reffered pains or alike. Depending on how important this program is to you you should consider to limit your time on the computer. P.e. use a eggtimer or install a system on your computer to limit your time, have a break, do some exercises, reinstall your posture, take control. self mobilisation would be an option. good luck

Dear Shinydan,

Thanks, do you have a link as to the type of isometric exercises i can do , only i heared somewhere that the wrong type of excercise can do more damage than good,
as for traction , i do it for about seven minutes every three nights after a long shower and hotwater bottle session,

I have to say raising the screen has helped quite alot.

Fathi

Thanks neurospast,

you hit the nail right on , i have found that while i am at my computer desk if i move my head every five minutes or so and stretch my neck it does help,
my flight simulation is part of my life but i am trying to limit the time. and i now wear the neck support every time i fly.
i will take up your suggestion and look for some timer programme to remind me to chqange my posture very set period.

fathi

hi.initially you can start with mild exercises isometrically.it will not do any harm.this will increase your muscle power.Range of motion exercises can be done as your therapists advice.he can assess your problem then and there.wat i said was to do one of the exercise session after your traction.it will be beneficial.even you can increase the timing for your traction. i don think so traction will be helpful with seven minutes.take advice regarding this with your therapist before you change the time.

Hi fathyi

You can look and consider this picture plz :
- angles at hips,knees,ankles should be 90 degree
-Head positioned erected over shloulders,screen at the level of vision OR LITTLE below it
-Elbows angled at 70-135
-Wrists shouldn't be felxed or extended but should be positioned neutrals WITHOUT ANY ANGLES
-No slouched shoulders
-striaght back,with small pillows at lumber area of spine
-Feet should be positioned flat on the floor.
- Put a small distance between posterior aspect of knees and chair so no compression on it's structures while it's at 90 degree...

hope this could help u!!!

Regards