When Blogging Bites Back
sore neck—Aidan Jones (Flickr.com)
Like love, blogging hurts. If you’re trying to make money blogging, it hurts when your site gets hacked, when you slide down the search engine rankings, or when no-one reads or comments on your posts.
However, on top of all that psychological distress, blogging can give you a different kind of agony – the sort that sends you scuttling off to the medicine cabinet for some ibuprofen or rifling through your cupboards in search of a heat wrap.
This week blogging has given me just that – a REAL pain in the neck. So much so, I’ve actually wanted to get away from the computer – and believe me, that’s a sign there’s something seriously amiss.
I love blogging – I really do; and that’s the trouble. I find myself glued to the screen for hours on end, often losing track of time.
But this week my stiff, painful neck started telling me, in no uncertain terms, this had got to stop. I’ve suffered from an occasional stiff neck for years, but this was different – just sitting at the screen had become really painful.
So I began searching for solutions online and made some interesting discoveries, which I’d like to share with you.
Now I realise you might be a fit young thing without an aching bone in your body – in which case, perhaps you think you don’t have to worry about all this stuff. Take it from me, no matter how young and fit you are, your body will only take a certain amount of abuse.
Whatever your age and state of health, if you’re spending a lot of time online, you’re at risk of developing exactly this kind of problem. And believe me, prevention is better than cure – so listen up!
The aim of this post is to share with you what I’ve learned about:
- Why blogging causes neck pain.
- How to prevent the main cause of neck pain.
- Some simple exercises to relieve and prevent neck pain and other musculoskeletal problems bloggers can fall prey to.
As you might expect, there are tons of blog posts and YouTube videos with advice on neck exercises and I’ve found an excellent series by massage expert Mark Perrenjones. I’ve started using some of the strategies and exercises he recommends, and they really do seem to work.
WHY BLOGGING CAUSES NECK PAIN
In this first video, Mark reveals the main cause of neck pain – and how to avoid it.
As Mark explains in the video, the FORWARD HEAD POSTURE is the main cause of neck pain. Sitting or standing in a slouched position, with your head jutting forward, puts an extra 20-30 pounds of stress on your neck. Your poor neck’s just not designed to handle that additional weight.
If you’re not sure if you have this posture, try these two tests while sitting at your computer.
- If an imaginary stone dropped from your ear, would it land on your shoulder?
- If an imaginary stone dropped from your chin, would it land on your chest?
- If those stones were to fall to the floor – or maybe onto your keyboard or desk – you have a forward head posture.
- If this posture becomes habitual, it can lead to disc herniations, pinched nerves and chronic muscle strains – ouch!
Follow the tips in the video if you want to improve your posture and avoid this problem altogether.
ALREADY GOT A BLOGGING PAIN IN THE NECK? HERE’S AN EXERCISE TO CURE IT!
In this next short video, Mark demonstrates a simple exercise to relieve neck pain if, like me, you’re already into damage limitation….
I’ve tried this “double chin” exercise – and I can tell you, it works.
AND THERE’S MORE…..
For other exercises to help you avoid developing a stiff neck, check out the following video by chiropractor Dr Paula Moore – they’re super easy and you can do them while sitting at your desk.
BUT BLOGGING’S MORE THAN A PAIN IN THE NECK….
It’s not just your neck that can get damaged by blogging – other muscles and joints will be affected if you don’t take care. My blogging friend Lisa Buben of Inspire to Thrive can bear witness to this, as you’ll see if you read her post about how blogging can damage your arms.
In this last video, Mark Perrenjones shows us three more simple exercises to help ensure our muscles don’t seize up and go west in ways nature never intended.
One that will resonate with many bloggers is the “I’ve got no money” exercise – an easy one to remember, that!
How about you? Do you ever get a stiff neck or other aches and pains from spending too long working online? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you have any favourite exercises or strategies? And if you NEVER get any aches and pains, please let us in on your secret (unless it’s just that you’re a teenager, of course – that doesn’t count!)
As always, I’d love to hear from you – if you’d like to join in the conversation, please leave a comment below.
And if you have any friends or followers who might enjoy this post, it would be great if you’d ‘share’ it.
Wishing you happy, pain-free blogging!
Sue Neal
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Hi Sue,
It’s terrible I can’t even listen to these videos. My earphone just got broke! I’ll need to grab a new piece from the computer store near my office tomorrow.
BTW, sometimes I get light pain in the neck. In my early 30s and spending much time on PC, that’s normal. Often, I’d move round and stretch my neck left – right. Maybe I should learn to be more specific or organised (some how) in doing that.
I think these videos will help. I need to listen to them
Thanks for showing this to us
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Enstine Muki recently posted…How CommentLuv Plugin is Damaging Your SEO!
Hi Enstine,
If you’ve already got a bit of neck pain, you definitely need to take action before it gets worse. I hope these videos help.
Thanks for your comment – and I hope you get your sound fixed!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
I think this happens when I spend too much time writing and coding. Just relaxing away from PC and a bit of stretching helps. Nothing to worry about
Glad to hear it, Enstine – I think having regular breaks from the screen is one of the best things you can do,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Warning! Don’t Let Blogging Become a Pain in the Neck
Hi Sue,
Yes I’m one of those that I’m getting older and feeling it in my back, neck, lower back etc. because I stay at the computer all day long! Ugh! You have reminded me that it’s time to get up and so something different in order to maintain an important part for our health. Thank you for reminding us and showing us the different ways to relieve and alleviate some of those problems. Cool videos. Thanks,
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted…4 Reasons Why Triberr Won’t Work For You – Part 2
Hi Barbara,
It’s very difficult, isn’t it, to resist the urge to stay glued to the screen for hours on end? I’ll have some advice about that in next week’s post, so watch this space!
I’m pleased you enjoyed the videos – thank you very much for your comment, and take care of yourself,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
OMG Sue, I feel your pain, I had it for the month of January, a pinched nerve. Down my shoulders, arms and to the fingers. Acupuncture and 2 massages did the trick. Had an extra first too. Ruled out carpel tunnel. Heat and ice were my best friend and few muscle relaxers too. Itwas brutual. Had some great guest posts that filled in while I could not type.
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I also found the gym equipment to help, pull down type machine – took out the tenseness in the shoulders. I’m back on computer too long again, thanks for reminder to be careful!
Lisa recently posted…Blogging On The Go With Fantastic Apps And Tools
Hi Lisa – I’m lucky that I haven’t had problems with my arms – YET! My neck ache sounds like small beer compared with what you’ve been through.
It’s just so easy to get into the habit of spending too long online without a break – at the end of the day I think regular breaks are the answer, but it’s very difficult to discipline ourselves to do that, as you’ve found.
Thanks for sharing your own experience, Lisa – a great cautionary tale for other readers,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Funny that you posted this, Sue. Just a few minutes ago while I was talking to someone, I moved my neck just an inch to the left and I felt a sudden pull of the muscle. I’m unsure if it’s due to all this work on the computer I’ve been having to do or what. Well, now I’ve got some preventive exercises in case anything works wants to develop!
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Vincent Nguyen recently posted…The Value of Bantering
Hi Vincent,
If you’re just feeling the first twinges, now’s the time to take preventative action – it’s surprising how much damage we can do to ourselves just by sitting at a computer for hours on end.
Thanks for your comment – and take good care of yourself – you don’t want to end up with a neck like mine!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hi Sue,
Wow, I love this information, and I had never, ever head that before.
First off when he show the three killer postures in the first video I had a laugh and just could imagine if people of old days could see this video they would just wonder what crazy things humans do these days.
Wow, now I’m so conscious about my head posture I can’t stop thinking about it.
I have had neck pain before at times, so I shall remember those valuable tips.
By the way your title is very “clever”
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Sylviane Nuccio recently posted…How To Write Your First Book – Part Two Publishing And Promoting
Hi Sylviane,
I found the tips about head posture in the first video really helpful – like you, it’s made me much more aware of how I sit.
So glad you enjoyed the post – and thanks for letting me know you liked the title too!
Look after that neck, Sylviane!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hi Sue,
You surely picked up a great topic of discussion through this post today because this is one problem most bloggers face, or at least a few of us. I won’t say I get a stiff neck now as I am being extra careful, but just as they video showed, it IS because of the way we sit.
Yes, sitting and working with a wrong posture results in a lot of problems that we really don’t get to know of till after a while when it starts causing us pain and uneasiness. The level of the table or monitor screen, as they say where you place your PC or laptop should be the level of your eyes – though in most cases that’s not done, and either we are slouching or straining to see our screens, which results in stiff neck. I’ve had this problem and had to do most of these exercises and a few others, and take care not to sit like that any more to get rid of it.
These are wonderful videos for anyone facing issues with their neck, and if we don’t take proper care, the neck pain can go down to the spine and cause further problems and result in low back pain etc. Even daily exercises like walking, and lighter exercises for your eyes, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and other limbs are a must for bloggers as they are always sitting and these help them from having any kind of pains or aches in the future. But yes, very few of us really get down and do all of these – isn’t it, which results in more of such kinds of pains.
Thanks for sharing this important post with us and reminding all of us to take care. Have a nice week ahead
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Harleena Singh recently posted…30 Top Women Bloggers of Aha!NOW
Hi Harleena,
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been a fellow sufferer – it sounds as if you’ve resolved your problem, though, so I take my hat off to you – I think it’s a tough one to crack this because it often involves breaking ingrained habits, like the way we sit and the amount of time we spend at our computer. You’ve done really well to rectify your posture.
I’m pleased you think the videos are good – there were so many to choose from on YouTube that it was difficult to know which to share, but I thought these were some of the most helpful.
Thanks for adding such great value with your comment, Harleena – I’m sure it will help other readers to hear what you’ve been through.
I hope you’re having a great week, too!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
HI Sue,
I’m amazed by this topic as I’ve been undergoing the neck pain for very long but have been avoiding that because it has still not reached the threshold level.But surely it has given me a thought to be extra careful about that.
Thanks for this great share. Have a great week ahead.
Sapna
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Sapna recently posted…Awesome ways to get Facebook likes and Tweets(Cartoongraphics)
Hi Sapna,
Sorry to hear you’ve had a stiff neck too – best to tackle it sooner rather than later. I’m pleased you’ve enjoyed the post – thanks very much for your comment – and look after that neck!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Sue, It’s not so much the position, but the time spent without shifting (and I don’t mean on the keyboard!). So I’ve been using a program called CtrlWork (brilliant marketing, no?) But it does work! And it’s free. I found it online http://ctrlwork1.software.informer.com/ The program is annoying! It interrupts you and demands that you take 10 second and 3 minute breaks, and tells you stretching exercises to do (including neck exercises). Try it and if you aren’t annoyed (and feeling better) I will refund your money. One good neck exercise from CtrlWork: with your head up straight, gently push one finger straight back on your chin. Good, yes?
Hi Astro,
I think it’s both – position AND the amount of time we spend on screen. I was going to talk more about that in the post but it was making it into a bit of an epic, so I’m planning a post on that very subject next week.
I’ve had a quick look at the program you recommend but it looks a bit too involved for me – I’m working on simpler solutions to control my bad habits. Good of you to offer me a refund, though
Not sure about the finger on the chin exercise – think I prefer the one the guy shows in the video – maybe I don’t have enough strength in my finger?
Other readers might find the CtrlWork program helpful, though, so thanks for the link and recommendation – I may well reference it next week and if I do I’ll be sure to give you a mention.
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
I thought that link was legit but it’s bogus. The CtrlWORK program is real but it’s not free. (I got a free copy.) I’ve learned one thing from using it — I don’t take enough breaks! When it interrupts my work I’m totally focused, tensed up, ready to type and mouse for hours without a stretch and resent the interruption! I realize I’m nuts. There was a recent study that people who sit at their jobs die young. It has to do with circulation, I think.
That’s strange, the link I followed looked like it was to a free service, but I just didn’t fancy downloading yet more stuff onto my computer that I might not use.
You’re not nuts, Astro – you’re just like the rest of us. It can be incredibly hard to drag yourself away from the screen – I’m just the same, and I do think it’s a problem with potentially serious consequences. Post on this subject coming up, but not next week as originally planned – something else has cropped up that I want to share.
When you’ve read this, get up and run around the block
Sue
All jobs can, at a certain point, become a pain in the ..neck. Doing everyday the same stuff in the same chair, in the same office can be redundant and will decrease the the profitability.
I work from home as a freelancer and i am trying everyday to work from another room just to avoid the routine. Now the spring is coming and i will starting to work from outside which will be great.
Hi Radu,
As you say, working in the same position without a break for long periods is a very bad idea.
You must live in a nice warm climate if you’re planning to work outside – it’s supposed to be spring here, too, but we’ve had snow this week and more on the way according to the forecast!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hi Sue,
This is really an interesting topic. I must say I spend close to eight hours every day on the computer and its not funny at all. But I think beyond these exercises, what we really need to do is learn how to from time to time, walk away and around. This is what I’ve been doing in the past few weeks and it has helped a great lot.
Thanks for sharing.
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Chadrack recently posted…How to Drive More Traffic to Your Site with Agile Web Design!
Hi Chadrack,
You’ve hit the nail on the head – the trick is to have regular breaks away from the screen. But that’s easier said than done, as many bloggers will testify – I’m planning to talk about that very issue in next week’s post.
Thanks very much for sharing your experience – I may well refer to your comment next week,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
You can say that again but frankly, it’s all about discipline. Though, that is one of the things that is really not common with us! How I have managed to keep up with it is bringing up my work load and time into bits. This way, it has not be that difficult.
Looking forward to that post!
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Chadrack recently posted…Can You Really Make Money Building and Selling Websites?
Ah, self-discipline – that’s definitely the key, Chadrack – and, as you say, it’s often in short supply. Sounds like you’re getting yourself in order, though – that’s good!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Great post. I will definitely try this out!
Many thanks,
Seun
Oluwaseun Babajide recently posted…What Are The Best Internet Marketing Channels
Hi Oluwaseun – thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
You poor thing Sue! I feel for you!
Mine wasn’t in my neck or hands but in my lower back. I know for a fact it was my chair, not my posture. Since I started working from home I’ve been through about six chairs now. Of course the majority of them were given to me except a few I did purchase but trust me, they weren’t a lot of money. They would be really comfortable for a few months but then over time get worse. The pressure on the base of my spine was horrible.
I finally broke down and bought a very expensive office chair and I should have done that sooner. I’ve not had any more problems and I’m past my two month mark with my chair now.
I sit up pretty straight when I’m on the computer so my neck has never been an issue. As you also know, I’m way behind the times with cell phone usage so you’ll never see me in that position texting someone or checking stuff on my cellphone. See, I’m glad now that I don’t have all that stuff. Maybe that’s what has saved me too.
Thank you for sharing these videos though. They are great references for me in case in the future this does become an issue. I have a great book on back exercises so now I can add this to my list. I’m bookmarking this post Sue.
Thanks again and enjoy your week. Hope you’re doing much better now. We can’t have you drop off the radar!
~Adrienne
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Adrienne recently posted…How Windows Live Writer Can Save You Time
Hi Adrienne,
I’ve suffered with my lower back too (occupational hazard for nurses) and, like you, have spent quite a bit of money on office chairs – but can’t say I’ve been through six – that must be something of a record!!
It sounds as if you have pretty good posture, Adrienne – and I’m sure not using mobile devices must help. I don’t use a mobile much myself, I find them too fiddly and annoying, but I just spend far too long sitting at the screen – of which more next week!
The lateness of this reply is down to the fact that I’m pacing myself more carefully this week – my neck’s gradually improving, thanks, but I’ve a way to go – but no worries, you don’t get rid of me that easily!
I’m very glad you don’t really need this advice – and hope you never do – but thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback and good wishes,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Sue, I can identify with you It takes an act of Congress or in your case Parliament to remove me from the computer.
I have also suffered many painful nights. My neck hurts, I get pains in my wrist, my back pains, and so on.
I guess I need to make my workplace more ergonomic, but the problem there is I like to watch tv.
Thanks for the videos, I have heard you should stretch about every hour or so.
Thanks for the attention to this problem.
Your comment really made me laugh, Michael. Sounds like you have just the same difficulty as I do dragging myself away from the screen – I’m going to talk about that more in next week’s post, so watch this space.
Thanks very much for letting me know I’m not on my own – and for bringing a smile to my face!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hello Sue, very interesting post. I think we all know about pain in the neck because we spend so much time on our computers. I am on and off of my PC because this way I wont get burnt out so quickly.
If I sit in front of my pc for a long I kind of get light headed and then have to get off it for a while but I sill love it
Thanks so much for sharing your post my friend. Have a great day
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RobG recently posted…How Would You Rate your Self As a WordPress Web designer And Coder?
Hi Rob,
You’re very wise to make a point of taking time away from your computer – I think that’s one of the best things you can do, but it can be hard to discipline ourselves to take regular breaks.
Thanks very much for sharing your experience, Rob – appreciated,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hello Sue, I’m sure you probably spend just as much time on your computer as I do and with that said, I have to give my self a break here and there.
I’m on my computer 365 days a years, 7-days a week. I try not to spend long hours at a time this way I won’t get burnt out.
My PC stays on 24-hours and never gets shut off unless there’s a storm coming then I will power it off.
Thanks again for a great read my friend. Have a great day.
(dofollow)
RobG recently posted…How Would You Rate your Self As a WordPress Web designer And Coder?
I don’t think I spend as much time online as you do, Rob, though it’s going to go up when I finish my day job at the end of this month – and I do put my computer to bed at night! You are one dedicated blogger
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Warning! Don’t Let Blogging Become a Pain in the Neck
Hi Sue,
This is a great topic for sure and very interesting at the same time because sometimes I think I am the only one spending long hours in front of the computer and suffer from the neck and back pain. But I guess not.
Thanks for the videos and they taught me a lesson of watching my posture while sitting and I loved the exercises they are so easy to do.
Thanks Sue for such a great topic that you gave attention to.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
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Neamat Tawadrous recently posted…6 Tips To Help Shrink The Learning Curve in Network Marketing
Hi Neamat,
As you can see from the other comments, you are most definitely not alone! I think a lot of people are unaware of the damage they can do to themselves simply by staying too long in front of a screen – it’s quite alarming when you start to get symptoms of pain.
I’m pleased you’ve found the videos helpful – thanks so much for your kind feedback.
Take care of yourself, Neamat,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Sometimes we ignore our healthy because of doing something excitingly or are insisted to finish some office works soon. It often happens when we are working in front of computers of laptops.
We are working seriuosly and excitingly without giving attention to our sitting positions for minutes or hours and we don’t realise it.
This habbit of course can be harmful for our bodies and can result in serious injury.
The wrong sitting positions can hurt our necks and backs. Moreover they can give bad side effects to the form of our bodies.
Therefore this posting is very useful for the bloggers or anybody who often work with computers or laptops.
The video including in this posting is very relevant and quite helpful.
Thank you for sharing a good article.
Heru Prasetyono recently posted…Fix Your Xbox 360 Ring Of Death Fast!
Hi Heru,
Thanks very much for your valuable contribution – as you say, it’s easy to get so lost and absorbed in our work that we lose track of time and end up staying in the same position for much longer than is good for us. The effects can be insidious but, as you point out, can result in serious harm.
Thanks for your generous feedback,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
It is one of the cause of Spondylosis. So, don’t ignore it…
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This is very useful tips…
Hossain recently posted…Relation between your AdSense earnings and robot.txt file.
That sounds very scary and makes me even more determined to get on top of this problem – thank you!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
You have penned down the reality of pain, which I guess every second person who is into serious blogging is facing. I face a lot of pain at both sides of my neck, which is due to long hours of sitting in front of the laptop. I have also developed a problem in my legs, due to sitting for long durations. But now I make sure to move a bit here and there, after an hour or so. Thanks.
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Aayna recently posted…Managing Users and Switching Accounts Windows 8
Hi Aayna,
I’m sorry to hear you already have pain in your neck and legs – getting up and having regular breaks from your computer is one of the best things you can do to cure this, so you’re taking the right steps. I hope your aches and pains get better soon,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Yes, sitting in that posture for longer hours can definitely cause pain in the neck and I already experience it. But I do take a break to relax and then feel fine. Thanks for sharing the useful post.
Hi Fatima,
Sorry to hear you’ve already suffered from neck pain, but you’re doing absolutely the right thing – having regular breaks is the best solution,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hi Sue Neal,
I am a first time visitor of this blog to my glance i went to this Post because i was suffering from severe back pain for being in online and sticking to my lappy for hours it has gifted me with pain.So after many scoldings from parents i have started taking care of my health!!
~SRIKANTH
Hello Srikanth,
A very warm welcome to my blog and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment – your parents are giving you good advice and I hope your back ache is getting better now,
Take care!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Very helpful post Sue. I have to admit I have my share of neck pain but what ails me most is my back.
I’ve learned to get up once every 20 minutes and walk around and do some stretch exercises. I have a cervical pillow and I’m shopping around for an ergonomic keyboard pad for my wrists. I know it may be pricey but I thinks it’s money well spent if this is my full-time job.
Hope things are well.
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Corina Ramos recently posted…How To Blow A Job Interview
Hi Corina,
It’s amazing how many of us have these problems – I have back trouble, too, but usually manage to keep that under control with regular exercise. I think you do right to spend money on any equipment that’s going to help – I always use a soft pad under my wrists when I type; I couldn’t manage without it.
It’s hard to put a price on your health.
Thanks so much for your contribution – and take care of that back!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hey Sue,
Firstly, I’m glad I’m not alone! Excellent post and while my back has held up okay (touch wood), it seems to be my eyes which are tiring but yes the neck pain is becoming more evident these days. I do make a concerted effort to go to the gym 3 x week and work on both cardio and weight exercises which helps keep you in check and the release of endorphins also facilitates the creative thinking process. Would you agree?
Kapil Jekishan recently posted…Tablet Traffic Leaps Ahead Of Smartphones
Hi Kapil,
As you’ll see from this comment stream you are most certainly not on your own! I think regular exercise is a great idea and it will definitely help, but 3 visits a week to the gym won’t necessarily stop you getting problems if, between those visits, you’re spending unbroken hours on your computer. As one or two other people have commented, taking regular breaks is the answer, but disciplining ourselves to do that isn’t easy because working online can be so addictive – I’m planning a post on that in the near future, so watch this space!
Thanks so much for your contribution to the discussion,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
“Blogging can be dangerous to your health”.
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True, I imagine sitting for hours working on a computer is not good for your health. Now wait, I do that for a living (Software Architect). But…
At work we have a mandatory break for 5 mins every hour, to get the blood flowing again. Without knowing, people tend to tighten up sitting at a desk. We even have software installed, that blocks the mouse and keyboard every hour for a few minutes to stretch the old body. That really helps!
Jan Bierens recently posted…SEO Your PDF Download Page
Hi Jan,
It’s great you have those enforced breaks at work – working online is so addictive that it can be really difficult to drag yourself away from the screen, so having a system that gives you no choice is a good idea – I reckon a lot of bloggers could do with that software!
Thanks for your comment – looks like you have this sorted
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…8 Blogging Tips From Some Penguins
Hi Sue
I’ve not had neck pain from using the computer yet but I’m sure if I sit here much longer slumped in my chair it’ll happen!
I get pains in my right hip and down my right leg and that’s because I carry my daughter on my left hip when coming up and down the stairs.
There’s no way around it yet unfortunately until she can walk up and down the stairs.
It’s my 40th birthday in June and I can feel myself gradually getting older and more tired. I need to get out more when the weather improves and get some fresh air I think!
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Tim Bonner recently posted…Everyone Has To Start Somewhere
Hi Tim,
Maybe you need to switch hips when you’re carrying your little girl up and down stairs – mind you, then you might get pain down both sides, so maybe that’s not such a good idea. And as I’m full of aches and pains I’m the last person who should be offering you advice!
40 years old and feeling your age? Like Miss Jean Brodie, you’re in your prime, man! Getting plenty of exercise is definitely a good idea – don’t leave it until your neck starts to feel like mine, though – and don’t wait for the weather to improve, either – the way things are going, you’ll have a long wait! Do you not have waterproofs up there?
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
I think working on computer can be really demanding sometimes. Doing the same work sitting in a same spot can be physically daunting. The video here are just amazing. Will have be inculcate these habit in my routine too.
Thanks for the share Sue!!!!
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Hi Rashmi – it’s certainly surprising how much damage we can do to ourselves just by sitting in the same position for too long.
I’m pleased you’ve found this helpful – many thanks for your feedback,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
HI Sue, I had no idea what was coming when I started to read your blog post. Those were a lot of great tips. I will take “jump” breaks while I am working at my computer. I have a little mini-trampolene in the kitchen so I will go jump on that. I also will walk around my house while on the phone – if I don’t need to take notes. So far, no problem with my neck. Thanks for asking.
Blessings, Amy
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Amy Hagerup recently posted…Why You Need to Learn LinkedIn for Your Business
Hello Amy – sounds like you already have some good strategies in place to avoid this problem. If you keep taking regular breaks, I’m sure your neck will be just fine.
Thanks for your comment – a mini-trampolene sounds like a fun way to take a break!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
this is a serious problem. never thought anyone would ever write a post on this topic but you have done a great job sue.
most of the bloggers keep themselves busy with their work and they never realize the problem it is creating. my neck really hurts a lot after doing my daily work and i just IGNORE IT. but this is not the right thing i guess. will apply the tips.thanks
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Hi Prabhat,
If you already have neck pain it’s definitely inadvisable to ignore it – chances are it will just get worse. I hope you find the tips helpful.
Many thanks for your comment – and look after that neck!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
I used to experience such neck pains when sitting behind pcs for a long until I began moving away from them.
I now mostly access the internet and read blogs on my phone.
It’s more convenient and I don’t feel those pains anyore.
Hi Kabenlah,
I’m pleased to hear your neck pain has improved, but surprised that using your phone has resolved the problem – you can just as easily develop problems from using phones for extended periods of time, so take care!
Many thanks for your comment,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
Hi Sue,
Oh yes now you’ve hit the nail on the head..or should I say neck! Thanks so much for the videos..good job! I like the double chin exercise…very effective.
Sitting in front of a computer is NOT good for your body especially the hours we sit there.
I do have the neck pain and my solution is to go to Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon to stretch! I also do some back bends with the help of a fitness ball (you know the really big ball you sit on) It feels great to do a gentle back bend with this support.
The thing I really worry about more is just the lack of circulation as you sit and sit and sit and the blood pooling down into your legs….some days my feet swell from the sitting.
Thanks so much for this very useful information.
Tonya
Hi Tonya,
I’m sorry to hear you’re a fellow sufferer. I’ll bet Yoga’s great for your neck – I tried it once but don’t have the patience for it, I’m afraid. I’d love to have a go with one of those fitness balls – sounds like good fun.
I think no matter what exercise we do, though, it’s the prolonged sitting that’s the problem – I’m battling to force myself to take regular breaks and finding it surprisingly difficult to discipline myself to do it – another post on that coming up shortly!
Take care of yourself, Tonya – and thanks so much for your valuable input here,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
Hi Sue,
Better safe than sorry
I love this kind of topics though I don’t have any health issues by now dear
But it’s an objective of mine in 2013 to improve my health and applying good practices. Generally I’m glued to screen for 18 hours 
I’ve witnessed a friend who suffered from health issues and been away from blogging for 8 months. Can you believe? AND Lisa with her pinched nerve. I don’t wanna go for any of that.
Now I have to admit. I do that unwittingly. My head goes forward sometimes and when my mom call me for something I notice my posture is not right. What?! I do that when I check smartphone too. Gosh… Ignorance is the enemy.
My NEW Objective: Remove the forward head posture from my life
Thank you so much for researching about it and being generous enough to share all information with us Sue
Especially for using videos here as it’s the best way for a such topic. You just saved me from neck pain and I’m sure lot of my friends will grateful for you too.
Have a pain-free week dear
Cheers…
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Mayura recently posted…How to Remove View Styles from Blogger Dynamic Views
Oh, Mayura – you’re much too young to have this kind of problem – but prevention is better than cure, so you do well to take heed. It’s amazing how much damage we can do to ourselves just by sitting down!
I think apart from posture, the main problem is not taking enough breaks away from the screen – I’m working on that issue as we speak and not always succeeding
Thanks for your good wishes – have a great week yourself, and keep that head up!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
I should say it is an exceptional blogging post
I too have the neck pain due to blogging.
Thanks for sharing the amazing videos, it is good n useful!
Nirmala recently posted…Top three popular ways of online money making
Hey Nirmala,
So sorry to hear you’re a fellow sufferer. Thanks for letting me know you’ve enjoyed the post and I hope the videos help
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
This is a nice post about the health issues because of blogging. Neck pain is usual because when you sit longer in front of your system then it happens. Thanks for the exercise tips
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Atish Ranjan recently posted…Optimizing Facebook Business Pages for the New Facebook
Hi Atish,
I’d think you’re too young to get a stiff neck – plenty of time for you to take preventative action! Thanks for your feedback – glad you liked it,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Google Reader Rest In Peace: Long Live Feedly!
Wow this is really great information. I’ve been a web designer for several years and always try to keep my posture correct but it does get bad often. I catch myself and straighten up. Thanks for the videos showing how to correct pain but luckily I’m not in pain yet. I’ll be doing these for sure to keep from getting to the point though.
Thanks again for the detailed post, very helpful!
Jared Latigo recently posted…Good ideas come from many ideas with Erik Fisher
Hi Jared,
Sounds as if you’re already aware of the importance of good posture – and prevention is definitely better than cure, take it from one who knows! Thanks very much for letting me know you’ve found this helpful – I appreciate your feedback,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…A Killer Strategy to Increase Productivity AND Keep You Fit
WOW this is an awesome article and actually I already experience back pain and pain on the neck when I start blogging and what I did is after working I went to a gym. After reading this post and watching the video I think I will not go to the gym anymore I will just follow on the video.
Zija Reviews recently posted…DXN Marketing Plan Can I Really Make Money with It?
Hi Zija – I’m glad you’ve found this helpful, but hope it doesn’t stop you going to the gym!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…A Killer Strategy to Increase Productivity AND Keep You Fit
Great post.I’ve had neck pain for over two years now…a muscular ache that radiates the back of my head and often results in headache. There are two spots almost directly behind my earlobe that kill me. For temporary relief I use heat packs, icy hot, massage, etc, but it always returns, especially when I exercise and study for long hours. What should i do now?
Jackly recently posted…Pain In Left Side Of Groin
Hi Jackly – as you site’s all about pain relief, I’d have thought you’d be better placed to answer this query yourself! If you’re developing chronic pain I strongly advise you to consult a doctor or physiotherapist.
Thanks for your comment,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Why Your Writing Sucks!
It’s a real problem for a blogger. We should not get into a single position for a whole day. BTW nice points you raised here.
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Prakash recently posted…Best Media Player for Android | Video and Music Player for Android
Hi Prakash – thanks for your feedback. I can tell you it’s caused me serious problems. I’m still recovering from a repetitive strain injury and I’d advise anyone that prevention is much better than cure!
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Do Your Blog Posts Obey These 4 Laws?
Hey Sue,
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Nice post and Yes, Blogging requires lots of hardwork as we have to update our blog regularly and have to make links with other bloggers and many other important things and for this we have to sit in front of computer for hours and it causes some stress and also pain. Thanks for the videos and tips in the post.
Sudipto recently posted…How do You Make a Video with Pictures
You’re welcome, Sudipto – glad you enjoyed it,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Do Your Blog Posts Obey These 4 Laws?
really liked the example which you gave for the right posture. The imaginary stone falling from the chin and another one from the ear! Bloggers have to be online for a considerable amount of time as it requires more of the online presence from them. This causes stiffness in the neck.
yogesh pant recently posted…Aurora: The facts about borealis and australis
Hi Yogesh – I find the imaginary stone a good way to check my posture – glad you found it helpful and thanks very much for your comment,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Is This How You REALLY Learn About Blogging?
Hi Sue:
How are you?
I very well understand what you say
There were times when my site used to get hacked
And it as real horrible for me
And now –
Though I do blog comments on many blogs –
People do not bother to comment on mine.
So yes, it is really so very
Frustrating for me.
Also, as I spend many hours writing –
Blogging really is a pain
In the neck, in the back and in the head!
But the flip side –
It helps me be independent
And make money online
From HOME!
So no matter what
It is the best job in the world for me
As they say –
NO PAIN NO GAIN
Lolzzz
Thanks for sharing
Take care.
Best wishes and regards.
Veena
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Veena Furtado recently posted…3 Good Luck Tips for how to make money online easily
Hey Veena,
I’m on my holidays, actually – hence no new posts on my blog – but have my laptop with me and just taking a bit of time out to respond to comments.
I’m really sorry to hear you’ve had so much trouble with hackers – that’s something I absolutely dread and often wonder how I’d cope with it. It’s a credit to you that you’ve bounced back so well.
It’s a shame that you don’t get many comments on your site, but maybe that will increase as time goes by – but if you’re still making money online, you’re obviously doing something right, girl
Watch that neck, Veena – mine turned into a terrible strain that’s taking ages to heal up and limiting the amount of time I can spend online. As you say, though – no pain, no gain!
Take care, Veena, and thanks so much for your comment – really appreciated,
Sue
Hi Sue:
Wow, you are so lucky to be on a holiday.
Where are you? If you do not want to answer that, no issues, I perfectly understand.
Oh yes, every day I get neck and back pains – as I have to spend almost 16 hours a day (sometimes more) – working to make money from home.
But the pleasure is – I am my own boss and I make a good living online.
Yes though, I suffer from very bad back and neck pains -
and I have no clue what to do about it.
Sad that people do not like to comment on my blog -
even though I comment on theirs.
There were a couple of people who wrote to me
telling me that they have banned me
as I am a spammer.
Now that really hurt a lot
to hear them say that.
You enjoy your vacation -
hope you write about it in your blog posts, when you return.
Take care.
Best wishes and regards.
Veena
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Veena Furtado recently posted…3 Good Luck Tips for how to make money online easily
Hi Veena,
I’m in the North of Scotland, Loch Ness – it’s very beautiful up here.
I’m sorry to hear that you have bad pains in your neck and back. I’ve found massage beneficial, but also just spending less time sitting at the computer has really helped, and making sure I take regular breaks. It’s sitting in the same position for long periods that does the damage.
I’m also sorry to hear some bloggers have accused you of being a spammer – I can understand that must be very hurtful.
Thanks for your message – all good wishes,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Is This How You REALLY Learn About Blogging?
the stone shall work for everyone out there indeed. Thanks again for replying and the article was really helpful, Sue.
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yogesh pant recently posted…UPSC | INDIAN FOREST SERVICE EXAMINATION
You’re most welcome, Yogesh,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Is This How You REALLY Learn About Blogging?
Hey Sue,
Nice post and I think this happens when I spend too much time writing .Just relaxing away from PC and a bit of stretching helps.But nothing to worry about
siddharth recently posted…Latest Facebook Emoticons And Smileys For Chat – techbuzz4u
That’s OK then, Siddharth – sounds like you’re in control of the situation. Getting away from your computer periodically and moving about a bit is the best strategy.
Take care of yourself – and thanks for your comment,
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted…Is This How You REALLY Learn About Blogging?
hi Sue
while being a blogger is not only about generating traffic and earning money its also about bad back pain. As being a blogger you have to work on your computer for hours and if your sitting posture is not right then get ready for this gift of blogging. so to get rid of this pain we must take care of our sitting position and if you don’t then this back pain may lead to spondylitis which is very dangerous and also very common nowadays so follow the tips given by sue ans live happily.
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Hi Suryabhan,
Thanks very much for reinforcing this message – I think a lot of bloggers are unaware how much damage they might be doing to their health. When you’re young and fit it’s hard to believe that you can injure yourself simply by sitting at a computer, but it’s surprising how much harm you can do.
All good wishes,
Sue