Arm and chest pain, way I'm using left hand to work.
polycounter lvl 8
Hello guys
I'm having a weird pain in my left arm and chest, I haven't go to the doctor because I don't have health insurance right now. I'm not sure if this is because the way I'm using my left arm with the keyboard while working (I'm right handed), you know, most 3d and 2d software use ctrl+z, ctrl+alt, wasd, etc... I've been reading for a while since this is a problem that I've been having since the last 2 years and is starting to get very annoying, is random but is usually a sharp pain that occurs under the nipple, sometimes go to the back of the scapula, then go to the triceps but never go so far to my wrist (so I guess is not carpal tunnel). It sometimes go far to my left leg and I always get a sound of the bones while I rotate my joints (this only happen to my left hand and left leg). Probably sciatic nerve because when I do some exercises it actually makes the pain go away. Am I the only person who is actually having this discomfort?
I'm having a weird pain in my left arm and chest, I haven't go to the doctor because I don't have health insurance right now. I'm not sure if this is because the way I'm using my left arm with the keyboard while working (I'm right handed), you know, most 3d and 2d software use ctrl+z, ctrl+alt, wasd, etc... I've been reading for a while since this is a problem that I've been having since the last 2 years and is starting to get very annoying, is random but is usually a sharp pain that occurs under the nipple, sometimes go to the back of the scapula, then go to the triceps but never go so far to my wrist (so I guess is not carpal tunnel). It sometimes go far to my left leg and I always get a sound of the bones while I rotate my joints (this only happen to my left hand and left leg). Probably sciatic nerve because when I do some exercises it actually makes the pain go away. Am I the only person who is actually having this discomfort?
Replies
If you feel pain when you touch the areas I'd seriously go get some professional medical advice. Seek freebie medical aid like roving doctors who do part time work giving free consultations for the homeless. Drive to another state if you have to just to meet these doctors.
Go see a doctor though. Seriously, the internet is not a replacement for a Doctor.
Yea I agree Internet is not a replacement for a Doctor, but I wanted to know if it was common for cg artists since some of us don't get too serious about ergonomics while working until we start to get hurt.
@MagicSugar : I did not knew that about Canada, that's awesome. Thanks for the help.
I came from an unrelated blue collar job of 8 years and for the last 4 years I have been sitting on a computer most of the day and it took it's toll on my body. About a year ago I started to try and look after myself a bit more. I used to get lower back pains from bad posture and very sore wrists, hand cramps and my eyes got very sore. Just kind of zoning out and neglecting your well being is not good but easy to do. A few simple tips that helped me.
- Move around more. Don't just get a standing desk. Try to get away from your desk and move around at least every 30 minutes. Preferably get some fresh air and sun and look at something in the distance to reset your eyes and get you blood flowing. Being too stationary in any position is bad (sitting, standing or laying down). Move your feet and wriggle your toes when sitting helps blood flow.
- Eat better and drink plenty of water. I could preach about this but basically do a bit of research and make up your own mind what is a healthy choice for you. For me it was eating less meat, sugar and processed food. Just this will make a big difference in my general health.
- For my sore back and wrists I started doing weight training a few times a week. Nothing crazy. I find light - medium weight dead lifts and squats but higher reps helped my back by strengthening my core muscles which helped my posture while sitting sitting posture Link. For my wrists just light wrist curls and hand grip strength tool a few times a week completely got rid of the pains in my wrist. Now days I don't get a sore back or wrists.
- For my eyes. Don't forget to blink! Its seems obvious but when you are concentrating you don't blink and strain your eyes. Taking regular breaks and looking at something far away also helps. If they get really sore or blood shot, lay down and but an ice pack on your eyes for about 5 minutes. This will force you to rest your eyes and I found this very relaxing. Another method (if your lucky enough) is to have a siesta for about 15 - 20 minutes. Both of these are good for your eyes and kind of give your brain a reset making your feel like you just had a coffee or energy drink.
Also if you don't need to be sitting at your desk or looking at your phone, don't. Get away from your tech devices on the weekends and after work and let yourself rest and be present to the people and environment around you. Go on holidays more and get out of your weekly/ daily routine as much as you can. I found this helped me be more productive with the time I was working and more relaxed when I was not.
Sorry for the shit spelling and grammar
But seriously, go to a doctor. This sounds pretty serious if you`re getting chest pains.
Hey, I hope you are doing good
Could you provide us with some updates on your situation, I am experiencing similar symptoms.
I did too. Ordered troponin test you can do yourself at home and it was negative. Stopped to worry about and it has gone on its own. I am not a medical specialist although , just read about the test in internet.