General > General Technical Chat

Rethinking bench work with a neck problem

<< < (4/5) > >>

jfiresto:

--- Quote from: hans on January 28, 2021, 10:30:26 pm ---
Unfortunately, I'm not too impressed by the prices from Leica (the surgical versions, at least). Tagarno microscopes were also really expensive.. I'm afraid they will be out of reach even at work - academic budgets are unfortunately finite....

--- End quote ---

The prices are not so bad if you go used. Roughly, you might be looking at 600–700 euros to make a used Wild stereo microscope super-ergonomic and that again for the microscope, but the cost depends a lot on your patience.

cdev:
I am trying to improve my posture so that my back alignment is better when working + cure bad habits which I feel are bad for my back. So I am trying to figure out a way to use machine vision to tell myself to "perk up" when my posture is bad. I'm looking into pose estimation as a means to do it.

Open pose or maybe openCV?

jmelson:
I thought I had replied to this earlier, but I don't see it.  I had occasional bad cramping of neck and shoulder-area muscles about 20 years ago, I think.  It occasionally got quite bad, lasting for several days, way worse than a typical "stiff neck".  I took calcium and it cleared up.  So, I started taking
calcium daily, like 2 extra-strength TUMS morning and night.  The neck cramping has NEVER returned!

I have no idea if this might be of help, but you might try it and see.  Certainly better than fusion surgery if it helps.

Jon

coppercone2:
I started electronics before squatting heavy and I found that after I got my squat weight (say 2 sets of 5) to a reasonable non pathetic level, where you can do the squats and not feel totally destroyed for like a week, alot of the pains I got from working at a tall bench went away

Usually if something hurts because of duration, you don't really adapt too well to it by doing it often, you need to work on other things.. i find the body seems to just want to barely get by.

wasyoungonce:
Hans

I'm an electronics Tech (a bit older now) ....and have cervical fusions.  C1-2 fusions are very high...quite odd!.  Most are C4-T2.  You can also have ACDF Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusions from through the front of the neck.   They move the larynx out the way put plates in. 

Now ACDF doesn't particularly hurt that much but they usually also do posterior fusions.   Which unfortunately hurts a lot ...a lot..... with a lot of ongoing pain.   It can take years to settle.   Infection with multiple surgeries is also a danger.  The Cervical areas involved not only support the neck but your arm movements go thru around C4/5...so you tend to get tingling fingers.

I'm 74% fused in my spine: S1-L5; T12-T6; C4-T2 posterior and ACDF.  Had multiple multiple surgeries and multiple MRSA  and other infections.   I am still doing electronic repairs to SMD PCB component level systems (Losmandy Gemini telescope computers...LQFP 144 pin IC R&R and the other usuals) but have changed my ways, a lot.

I use a video microscope...obviously a mantis would be better (I cannot afford one) Raised my bench.   Set up a work station to inspect PCBs while in a reclining armchair (antistatic stuff installed).  Limit my sitting work time ...get up walk away relax....come back...many times per day.

Its taken me years Ill never get better will get worse but can still continue....It's  not the end of the world but you will find it difficult.  Give it time to heal...min 6+ months...if posterior...2 yrs (for the pain to start to recede).  Slowly build up work.

The unfortunate part is once you have spinal fusions more pressure is placed upon other level...which wear faster....you will need more so take it easy don't force movements.

Pain....everyone experiences pain differently but be prepared if you have posterior C4-T2.......its intense for quite awhile. It does get better.   I've lost partial feeling in my right hand and some fingers but can still solder with the best of them!  Go figure.   I cannot lift carry reach of hold any weights.  A little sensation loss in Left hand and Left leg and difficult to walk nowdays.

But hey I'm ok, its not the end of the world, I've been in enough hospitals to be grateful for what I do have.  I've seen some really sick people.....fusions like this just restrict you can cause pain....thing that can be managed though everyone is different.  In between surgery bouts and after lumber fusions...I was able to get out walk and even run after after years...but over did it wore the spine faster.  Ended up more surgery.  As for don't do it.....hmmm ever been in so much pain you scream.....the damage so bad your a quadriplegic possibility...damage above C6....can effect you breathing badly easily.   Take the specialist advice but do get another opinion.  You cannot exercise away disc; vertebra; nerve; or spinal cord stenosis damage.  In many cases the fusions are to prevent further damage.

I'm open to talk if you need...I've had that many spinal surgeries I cannot count them....so are kinda experienced of being on the user end!

I'm grateful to be able to still work somewhat.

cheers good luck relax don't fight it...take what comes it does get better.  This I know.

Brendan

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod