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Home  >  Blog • Trish Takes Five  >  Step away from the computer!

Step away from the computer!

Trish Burgess Posted on24/03/201520/09/2016 Trish Takes Five 34 Comments

I am sitting at the computer trying very hard to ensure my posture is correct. For the last few weeks I have been suffering from a trapped/pinched/displaced/blummin’ painful nerve in my spine which has caused pain in my left shoulder and arm. For a while I just took painkillers and used a hot water bottle but it began to get worse. Sitting in a normal chair was the killer – shooting pains down my shoulder blade and arm. Sleeping wasn’t fun either as I could only lie on my back.

Last week I visited Dougie’s partner at the surgery for him to agree with Dougie’s diagnosis and, although it was likely to get better with time and some anti-inflammatories, I booked myself some physiotherapy. Had a great session with a fabulous Irish girl, Sinéad, who agreed with everyone else and got to work on my neck and arm. Returning home with some exercises and tips on how to sit properly at my desk, I am gradually improving.

The computer is the main culprit, I think. I have a habit of slouching while I’m thinking of what to write. It doesn’t help we have an extra keyboard placed in front of the laptop as I spilled orange juice all over the original one. I tend to push my neck forward to read the type as the screen is that bit further away. We keep promising ourselves a new laptop – this has forced us to get a move on and purchase one.

The iPad isn’t much better as I hold it in my left hand when browsing on the sofa, with my head flopped forward. Dougie tells me I am on the iPad far too much anyway – grazing usually – so am now trying to ration both computer and tablet time..it’s tough.

This post is now going on too long as my arm is sore again (cue the violins) so I will finish here and just point you towards the last three columns I’ve written for the paper – and that was a struggle. I ended up dictating the last one to a very patient husband.

The ten tell-tale signs that you have an empty nest – six months in, how I’m coping with Rory being at university. Do you have any more to add?


A parent’s view of World Book Day – like it or loathe it, World Book Day costumes can prove to be a headache. But isn’t Rory sweet?

The name’s Burgess…Trish Burgess – my take on the news that MI5 are recruiting spies via Mumsnet as middle-aged mothers apparently have the aptitude for the job (one of my favourite column pieces, if I do say so myself!)



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34 Comments

  1. Mac n' Janet Reply
    24/03/2015 at 3:21 pm

    Really enjoyed your spy piece, Helen Mirren in Reds is my hero. I'm retired, I just need to become extremely dangerous.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      24/03/2015 at 4:17 pm

      I think you are ripe for the picking, Janet.

  2. K Ville Reply
    24/03/2015 at 8:14 pm

    Oh dear. Poor you. I'm convinced posture is in the chair both my kneeling chair and my saddle chair make it virtually impossible for me to slouch (only virtually!) but getting a proper screen at the correct height with a proper keyboard in the correct place. Do yourself an honest workstation assessment, do you really need a new laptop or do you need a height adjustable monitor plugged into it? I'm off to read the Spalding now 🙂

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 7:46 am

      I've been thinking of you and your kneeling chair – could be the answer. We definitely need a new computer anyway. The laptop is very old and I would like to go back to having a desktop computer with adjustable monitor.

  3. Nana Go-Go Reply
    24/03/2015 at 8:23 pm

    I loved your 'Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Nana' piece too! I have a new respect for Mumsnet since I bought the book for one of my Daughters-in-law and while quickly leafing through the pages, I found a piece in it about Grandparents which clearly stated that paternal grandparents should NOT be treated as second-class grandparents! Loving those Mumsnet Mummies! Turning to health-related matters, my boss had the exact same symptoms as you and took herself off to a chiropractor who did wonders for her neck and shoulder and also gave her exercises to do at home. Sounds like your physio has matters in hand though (see what I did there?). xx

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 7:49 am

      That would have been a great title!
      Dougie's mum and dad, living nearby, were definitely part of Rory's upbringing so I hope, in turn, if he has children, we won't be second class grandparents.
      Yes, I am seeing her again on Friday for another session.

    • Nana Go-Go Reply
      25/03/2015 at 10:59 am

      Meant to say, 'Mumsnet Rules' book! Thanks for popping over to mine, Trish. I love reading your comments but I would be a bit worried about getting in touch with Poetry since I hadn't actually sought permission to use their pics? eek!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 11:07 am

      My mum gave me the book just last week – she had seen it in a charity shop. Will need to have a proper read.
      Ah you've got a point – they aren't on Twitter anyway, as far as I can see, so I haven't dobbed you in!

  4. Clippy Mat Reply
    24/03/2015 at 9:33 pm

    Oh dear me. I reviewed my own posture as I was reading this and can see that I'm permanently slouched and slumped, neck craned forward as my glasses don't seem to work. I better sit up straight and start walking about with a book on me head. 😀

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 7:51 am

      Ooh hello Clippy!
      I have decided I must try to do my thinking elsewhere before I sit at the computer. Have been scribbling out articles in longhand on paper before I sit and type. That definitely stops the slouching while thinking position!

  5. Older Single Mum Reply
    24/03/2015 at 9:35 pm

    Oh poor you – glad you managed to get your columns done though – heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, as usual! Hope you manage some rest and develop some new habits!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 7:53 am

      Thanks for being so lovely about my columns – so great to have your support as I can get a bit worried about it all.
      New habits is definitely the way to go.

  6. Sarah Reply
    25/03/2015 at 7:40 am

    I love that pic of Rory the Pirate. Very dashing.

    I hope your pains ease up soon. I'm noticing some rather nasty-looking bone growths on my first fingers and fear that it's the onset of arthritis. Lucky me. I think I'm a bit young but my bones obviously have other ideas. I'm doing yoga every day to try to keep it at bay…

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      25/03/2015 at 7:55 am

      I love the photo too. I had to ask his permission to use it in the paper.
      Ooh that doesn't sound good. I agree withe the exercise – I don't do enough. Interestingly, when I have been at rehearsals, dancing, I have no pain. Must do more.

  7. MsCaroline Reply
    25/03/2015 at 10:43 am

    Ouch – I can completely relate, having had a stubborn case of tennis elbow (tendinitis which has nothing to do with my playing tennis – that's just what they call it) that has been exacerbated by all the overuse in unpacking and putting things away. Chandler had a standing desk at his last office, but this one doesn't really have the setup for it, and I know he misses it. Hope you're feeling better soon – I have a disc in my neck that occasionally plays up and I understand how painful it can be – and how much it affects nearly everything you do! x

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:03 pm

      I had two frozen shoulders a few years ago and they were pretty unbearable so at least I have mobility this time around!
      Tennis elbow is a painful thing to have, MsCaroline – my mum had that for many years.

  8. nappy valley girl Reply
    25/03/2015 at 12:56 pm

    Huge sympathies – I've had back problems myself and now sit with a "Mackenzie Roll" in the small of my back – look it up, my physio in the US recommended. Hope it feels better soon

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:05 pm

      Just had a look at a Mackenzie Roll – a great idea, especially as my physio suggested lumbar support was important.

  9. Steve Reply
    25/03/2015 at 7:47 pm

    I sympathise… when I had sciatica a few weeks back, sitting at the PC, trying to write definitely made it worse!

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:05 pm

      Oh, of course, you were in dreadful pain – and then you had your other problems associated with it!

  10. libby Reply
    28/03/2015 at 7:48 am

    I'm terrified of getting a dowagers hump so try to check my posture every day….wishing you better health soon..xx

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:06 pm

      Am definitely on the mend this week – keeping off the laptop has helped.
      I had to wear a Dowager's Hump to play Mrs Overall – not a good look.

  11. Funky Wellies Reply
    29/03/2015 at 3:04 pm

    Really sorry to hear this, Trish. 🙁
    Hope the Easter break with your son and little computer time will help your recovery.
    Enjoyed your latest columns as always. xx

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:07 pm

      Thank you so much – so good to hear you enjoy them x

  12. Bryce Reply
    29/03/2015 at 8:36 pm

    Sympathies on the aches and pains, from a fellow sufferer, I think I might even have to give up my dad dancing and there, i was expecting a few more years of embarrassing the teens, without causing several vertebrae to unilaterally amd involuntarily fuse.

    Your empty nester list was good

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:08 pm

      I'm sure you can think of some other ways to embarrass your teens. We should make a list!

  13. Older Mum Reply
    30/03/2015 at 10:05 am

    Oh poor you – that sounds very painful. Just reading that has made me consciously readjust the way I'm sat at my desk right now. I find myself easily slouching too. Are you feeling better now. Just read your column on MI5 mums – brilliant – made me really laugh. Now there's a thing – mum's as spies! X

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:09 pm

      Yes, feeling much better – not perfect, still tingly and if I sit too long at my desk I can feel things tighten up – but a big improvement.
      Glad you liked my spy story. May send them my CV.

  14. BavarianSojourn Reply
    31/03/2015 at 8:42 am

    Oh no… I hope you are on the mend? Dougie didn't suggest duck tape to help then?? You should look into getting one of those ergonomic bendy chairs. They don't look that comfortable, but my friend swears by hers…

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:11 pm

      Duct tape might well work – there's lots of gaudy tape on athletes these days. No idea what it does but some silver strips down my arm are worth a go!

  15. Expat mum Reply
    01/04/2015 at 3:35 pm

    My back is terrible because of all the siting and writing I do. I can't face the thought of a Fit Bit or whatever those bracelets are called because it would show how sedentary I am. (I do work out every other day, btw). Laptops are worse than desktops though because you're constantly looking down and it puts your head at the wrong angle for your neck. Or so my physio told me last time I was there.

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:12 pm

      You're right – laptops aren't as good. We are definitely wanting to go back to having a desktop so that we can adjust the height of the monitor.

  16. About Last Weekend Reply
    01/04/2015 at 10:34 pm

    I know I am dreadful with my head all forward and wrong – as it is in the car – I look like a demented duck on the move

    • Trish Burgess Reply
      02/04/2015 at 12:13 pm

      I think I must have a better seating position in the car – it's more comfortable there than sitting in a normal chair.

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