OK so not a lot of you know this but my left pinky has been getting the pins and needles since August 2010. I’ve consulted a doctor about this condition and it seems to be linked to well … posture on the computer specifically while playing first person shooters and excessive typing (hence the need for a tablet). It’s not Carpal Tunnel syndrome. It’s more closely linked to Guyon’s Canal. i was a tad relieved to find out that another friend from the Internet also has a similar condition but on her feet. It’s not numb — it’s … pins and needles. It doesn’t hurt. So I was advised to take 1,000mg of Vitamin B a day, which I’ve been doing. But apart from that remedy, there are two other home remedies that seem to work: a basin with hot water and salt AND this thing that was given to me by Phiten during an event way back last year. It’s called “e-Water” and pretty much contains the muscle relaxant you find in Phiten products but in liquid form. That’s it alongside all the other pain relievers I have at home. I’m aware of Phiten being a “controversial” muscle relaxant as most consider it to be a placebo, but heck it works for me. So I’m not complaining.
I’d like to know if anyone of you have similar conditions because of the computer and how do you treat it?
7 replies on “Ok let’s talk about my finger.”
Can’t help you out, but I have to comment on the photo.
Nice, I guess it’s just right that your e-Water is with the rows and rows of alcohol. Numbs the pain? 😛
eWater for my physical pain. alcohol for the pain … deep down … inside.
Have you tried Lyrica or Neurontin?
My left hand get’s all tingly sometimes. On days that I type tons of stuff on the computer (I’m a transcriptionist) my pinky and ring finger TWITCH every few seconds. I don’t mind the twitching, really. Feels pleasantly weird. LOL The tingling though is just annoying. Same cause, bad posture while working on the computer. If it were only easy to source ergonomic keyboards here in the Philippines. sigh.
OMG. I experience this a lot. I understand the pains and needles thing. However, mine can be painful. I can’t use my pinky for a couple of minutes. I did fear it was carpal tunnel syndrome but my mom had carpal tunnel syndrome and her hand pain was chronic but mine was just random attacks. Wow. OK so I need Vitamin B too.
I’ve got problems with my entire back from bad posture in front of the computer! First it was my lower back. I got a pinched nerve there which also gave me leg pain. A few years after that, I started having neck problems. They found a pinched nerve there, too. I would have neck and shoulder pains constantly. The worst was when my neck just froze up. Couldn’t really move it for a week or so without any severe pain. Struggled for about 4 years without much improvement. Was just doing physical therapy and taking meds for the pain. And then eventually I decided to go to a chiropractor, which helped a lot. A few months after chiro, my pain is now down to a level of 1 or 2. I also got a nice ergonomic chair and I make sure I don’t stay seated for long periods. And I try to get in some exercise. Those things really help.
Although my condition is different from yours, I thought I’d still share. Hopefully, this will serve as a cautionary tale for anyone reading this – sitting for too long in front of the computer is hazardous to your health! If your job is computer related, like mine, you really gotta make changes to your work environment and lifestyle in order to avoid these kinds of problems. Get a nice chair. Get up every 15 minutes. Move around your cubicle. Get some exercise. Eat right, etc…
Wow, long comment.
Stay healthy, people!
wow thanks for the input. one thing i do realize is that i experience less stress depending on the sitting position. if my arms are much closer to my waist when sitting and using the computer, i don’t feel the pain.