Studying...neck & back aches....

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Gosh, this seems so general..but I have neck/back aches because no matter how "ergonomic" my position is, the fact is- I still have to look down to write, make flashcards.

Any suggestions? I was thinking of a bed desk, but idk--it seems like I would just not have enough surface area for my book & papers/flashcards....

The area where I have the most aching is from the C1-C5 "area" (haha) and right to below my bra line..sort of that muscle area under your shoulder blade I believe....I have all this will to study and these aches and burning are irritating me.

I look up every few minutes and roll my head around, stretch, wear a supportive bra, etc. Grrrrr

Does anyone relate? I know you must. It feels like my butt is glued to a seat ..and my head is in a downward angle 24/7...due to studying.

I actually don't have ANY pain except from my neck to that area above the bra line and under the shoulder blade..it's an aching, burning sensation.

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One thing that may help if you exercise is to strengthen your back muscles by doing pulling exercises. This has helped me with my general upper back shoulder and neck pain:specs:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

rather than read all the time, try recording some facts that you want to review. Then you can listen to them with your head up!

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Specializes in Home Care.

I have the same problem. Especially when I was in a particular classroom at school where the desk was a little bit high. It helped to put the text book in my lap and if possible right my notes there.

I find that a heating pad on my back helps to relax the muscles at the end of the day. I often alternate ice packs with heat, this helps too. Naproxen is my pain reliever of choice for muscle aches.

Speaking of studying, off I go to study microbiology :)

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Try breaking up the study sessions... after you finish a section (say, 30 minutes straight studying) get up and walk around, stretch or do a small task for five minutes.

I find this maintains my focus by allowing myself to step away from the subject for a moment while getting some blood back into the muscles. Maybe after you write out some note cards, review them while walking around instead of staying at your desk.

I'm also a huge fan of yoga for overall strengthening and flexibility, you don't need to go to a class... there are plenty of good yoga DVDs with different lengths of routines on them.

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:idea: I know this won't help with making flash cards, but for studying from a book you might consider investing in a book stand. I bought one when I saw the size of the textbooks we had to buy this semester, and it's a huge help. At least I can get through a chapter or two without neck ache now, back ache from too much sitting--yeah, I still have that--but my neck is fine. It was worth every penny to me. Here's the one I bought. It's really nice quality and very sturdy. http://www.amazon.com/Book-Stand-Bookstand-Bookstands-Holder/dp/B001J9SFXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1258509634&sr=8-1

:stdnrsrck:

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I second the book holder. This is the one I used through school.

http://www.staples.com/Fellowes-Copy-Holder-Booklite-Platinum/product_411327

Doesn't look like much but it was a life saver and surprisingly handled the heavy texts (although the previous poster looks like the one they had was a lot more sturdy). I liked it b/c I could fold it up and take it w/ me in my backpack to school for the day.

Still a lot of neck strain with taking notes and you probably have multiple books open at a time, but being able to prop my primary book, or the heaviest was a life saver for me.

Good luck with school!!!! :specs:

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Specializes in Psych, med surg.

When I was in school I had the same problems. We has lecture for 5 hour stretches, and my commute was 90+ miles daily.

If you can afford it, try some physical therapy for upper back strengthening. You don't need many sessions. I think I did 5 or 6. Just enough to learn some exercises. You could also look up some strengthening exercises on-line. Watch your posture. Try not to slouch, which I know is easier said that done. I preferred ice on my back and bought an extra large refreezable gel pack. Try ice and heat and see which one works better for you. I also used to take my flash cards out walking, either outside when I could or at the Y if the weather was bad. That gave me some regular exercise but I got to study at the same time.

Good luck.

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Yoga and heating pads are great suggestions too!:yeah:

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I also purchased a bookstand. For my note-taking, I invested in an inexpensive clipboard that I can place at almost any angle (often in my lap or on the table). This helped with the space issue on my table as well as allowed me to prop the clipboard on my knee, allowing me to lean back a bit and not look down.

For exercises, the rowing motion is best. If you go to the gym, do lots of upper back stuff, lots of ab stuff. Both will help with classroom and clinical. The ab stuff should help with the lower back ache from sitting so much. It will also help you in clinical... you'll be less likely to throw out your back.

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thank you everyone!

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Specializes in CV Surgical, ICU.
Try breaking up the study sessions... after you finish a section (say, 30 minutes straight studying) get up and walk around, stretch or do a small task for five minutes.

That's good advice right there :)

Maybe even a change in position, do you have a reclining chair? You could just put your feet up and lean back while you read?

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