Programming for life
“I hate needles.” My only thought as the chiropractor jabs another into my shoulder. The technique, known as Dry Needling, involves inserting small needles into Myofascial Trigger Points — painful spots in tight bands of muscle fibres surrounding muscle tissue — to stimulate a twitch response, causing the muscle to release. Great in theory, but it boils down to finding the most painful points around your body, and then jamming needles into them. I try to let my mind wander and zone out the pain. This is my penance for years of abusing my body.
Next time you’re hacking away in that cafe, on the train, on the couch — or at home in one of the many horrendous positions — think about the physical and postural damage you’re inflicting on yourself.
Case in point.
This is my home-office where I programmed for 8 hours a day for several months. Yes, that is a folding IKEA chair. This setup gave me a clear choice: damage back and neck (elbows in good 90 degree position but head hunched forward to see the low screen), or damage shoulders, wrists and elbows (screen at correct height, forcing arms to be raised like a kangaroo.) Ever the masochist, I chose both in equal measure. I knew the setup was terrible, but I did it anyway.
I can truly say I have suffered for my art: I have the RSI and backpain to prove it.
Something has to change.
I want to be able to program for years to come; I want to be able to lift my kids up in the air when, hopefully, some day, I’m lucky enough to have them. I want to be around to see them grow up. If I seem a touch melodramatic, consider the research that shows sitting for hours every day is literally killing us. A sobering thought.
So here’s my plan.
- An unwillingness to subject myself to sub-optimal work environments.
- Investing in an ergonomic setup that allows me to change position regularly throughout the day: an electric sit-stand desk (~£700/$1000/€900), a decent chair (~£1050/$1500/€1350), 2 x 27” monitors (£700/$1000/€900.)
- Frequent, regular exercise (I’ve started having swimming lessons — more on this in an upcoming post.)
- Preventative monthly chiropractic sessions.
I’m brought back to reality with a jolt as another needle lands, puncturing skin and tissue. I try to stifle a yelp.
I just wish I’d started sooner.
Wuss disclaimer. I’m a total wuss when it comes to needles but please don’t let that put you off. I highly recommend the Dry Needling in combination with other techniques (e.g. Chiropratic) for helping with physical pain. It’s definitely working.
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