Things You'll Need:
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Text to speech reader
- Anti fatigue mat
- Cognitive improvement software
- Hands-free ergonomic mouse
-
Step 1
Determine whether or not you are able to adjust your work schedule. If you are able to complete tasks before your shift ends or take work home with you, ask your employer if they would be willing to allow you to shorten your shift. When making this request, be prepared to convince your boss that allowing you to make some schedule changes will enable you to be more productive when you are at work.
-
Step 2
Use ergonomic desk chairs when sitting. These chairs are designed to give you the most comfort and support while encouraging proper posture. They may have adjustable seat height and seat pan depth, lumbar support, and swivel base. Buy a kneel chair if you are in front of a keyboard all day. This is exactly what it sounds like - a chair that you kneel on rather than sit on. Shop around to find the best ergonomic office chair for your personal comfort.
-
Step 3
Install a text reader application on your work computer. If your job requires you to read a significant amount of emails, documents or other text from your computer, a text reader can allow you to sit back and listen to the information rather than read it. NaturalSoft has a free text to speech reader available for download as well as other versions available for purchase. Expressivo also offers text readers that read Polish and Romanian.
***See the Resources Section below*** -
Step 4
Use anti fatigue mats if standing for long periods of time. Many companies provide these for their employees. They come in various sizes and materials and can be found at local department stores and office supply stores. Fatigue matting can reduce the shock absorbency of standing on concrete or other hard surfaces which can aggravate fibromyalgia pain.
-
Step 5
Engage your brain. Many of us with fibromyalgia are all too familiar with fibro fog. Using cognitive improvement software such as Lumosity or the Brain Fitness Program from PositScience can improve memory, concentration, attention, and verbal recall.
***See the Resources Section below*** -
Step 6
Check out SmartNav from NaturalPoint. It's a hands-free ergonomic mouse that uses a reflective marker to replace the cursor on the computer screen. Small head motions guide the marker to wherever you move it to. It can do anything a mouse can do, even left-click and right-click. And since it's hands-free, your neck and shoulders won't get painful and stiff from holding them over the keyboard.
***See the Resources Section below***
Comments
paperbackchic said
on 9/23/2009 sunnflr, thanks for the comment. I know exactly what you mean by spacial problems. I walk into walls and large appliances every morning! Also had problems with my BP a few months ago. Have you had your blood sugar tested? Another problem to add to my list! ;)
paperbackchic said
on 9/23/2009 Respectfully, I am so sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia and cancer diagnosis. Know that you have friends here on ehow and we're wishing you the best. Feel free to message me if you'd like to talk. Thanks for the 5*R
respectfully said
on 9/22/2009 These is a great article for those who dont understand what fibromyalgia is. I found out I had fibromyalgia, at the same time getting the bad news I had cancer. Thank you for this article 5* R
tracysmith159 said
on 9/1/2009 I know some people with Fibromyalgia. I'm living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, we ofter share way to help reduce the pain. I hope we can find better treatment or cures.
histrue said
on 7/28/2009 I have to say.. until a few weeks ago I really didnt know much about this disease ... i work in a health clinic and have other chronic health issues ... my physician finally came to understand that my pain was not just sometimes... and i finally began to be able to express to Him what i was going through
Anywhoo... thank you so much for this article.. i was beginning to think work was going to become just one more thing i had to give up