Writing And Posture

[JenJenn]

I know that posture is important when it comes to writing. What does one do if their current writing setup is less than optimal? There is a desk that is too tall, and I do not have an adjustable chair... Even If I got a higher sitting surface, I wouldn't be able to slide my legs underneath. Recently, I've been using a crappy light box and I try to write in my lap until my neck starts hurting. I plan on getting a better light box/pad because I do find one useful. Is it okay to write in my lap... even if it is just until I can get a better writing surface? I've been doing some pointed calligraphy drills.

 

I'm not sure which are just habits or something else: I'm the most comfortable being close up to the paper when I write, otherwise I cannot really see what I'm writing. I've done this since I was a kid. I don't have any issues with using my arm and shoulder when I write, but I do get some pretty bad neck pack when my back is straight and I look down to try to see what I'm writing... Is this all normal? (the feeling of not being about to see what I'm doing, and the neck pain.) I know that slouching is a bad habit, but I don't necessarily bend closer to write out of laziness, but I do it to see the paper better.

 

Thanks in advance! Sorry if the tone isn't particularly pleasant. I'm just stressed out because I want to write but I feel like I can't/shouldn't until I can do so "correctly." My pens are getting a little lonely..

[Pickwick]

If you're having problems with your neck, then that could be due to tension, so in all probability all you need to do is relax. A comfortable position is when sitting upright at a desk or table and able to rest your arm from the elbow comfortably on a desk or table holding a pen.

 

Writing with your light box is probably OK for a short note or letter, but not recommended for an extended period.

 

The best way is on a trial and error basis until you find the right position for you. You might try the above suggestion and then take it from there.

[JenJenn]

If you're having problems with your neck, then that could be due to <B>tension </b>, so in all probability all you need to do is relax. A comfortable position is when sitting upright at a desk or table and able to rest your arm from the elbow comfortably on a desk or table holding a pen.

 

You're spot on, I think. I didn't think about it, but I do have TMJ or something like it. My face, head, and neck usually hurt to some extent and I recently had to get a nightgaurd for sleeping because I grind my teeth and I clench my jaw unconsciously. I was told that I can wear it whenever I do something stressful so I don't lock my jaw.. I'm going to try wearing it to see if it helps, even a little bit. I do feel tension even if I'm not clenching.. but clenching makes it a lot worse. I find myself clenching and have to stop myself throughout the day.

In fact.. I think I did catch myself clenching a little bit earlier. It happens when I get fustrated or uncomfortable.. Makes sense.

 

I'm going to try to fix up the spot where I want to write and also experiment with ways that will be comfortable.

 

Thanks!

[Octo]

Can you just write at the kitchen table? If the surface is too unforgiving, use a piece of 1/8 inch craft foam as a desk pad.

[ac12]

If you are under tension, you are likely also gripping your pen HARD.

Lighten the grip, so you are just holding the pen. If someone can pull the pen straight out of your hand, that is about right.

 

In the past, I have put phone books on the chair to raise myself higher, and also put phone books on the floor to give my foot something to rest on.

 

I find writing on my lap difficult, as that is a really hunched over position for me.

 

If you have trouble seeing what you are writing, I suggest seeing an eye doctor for a check on your near/reading distance vision.

Edited June 15, 2016 by ac12

[JenJenn]

<b>Writing in my lap was a terrible decision..</b>

I now have a table that I cleared off that sits a little below ideal height. I can somewhat scoot my legs underneath, and it's relatively comfortable for an hour or two.

PickWick, thanks for the message, and I will be replying to it soon!

 

I will probably need to get my eyes checked soon; I wear glasses, but I feel like one of my eyes is lazy so it gets hard to focus on details. I get the headache with the crossed eyes feeling. Using a taller X height helps.. And it means I can't use just my fingers to write.

 

My middle finger injury prevents me from gripping my pens hard, or it becomes inflamed. I'm also light handed with writing utensils. Currently, I'm switching the way I write from having my palm resting, to the looser <I>classical?</I> grip with the finger tips or knuckles touching. I even practiced writing without my fingers resting on the page so I could get rid of any tension in my arm. It helped!

 

With the new position, my writing looks like it did in elementary school ... and I can't make as thick of shades like I could when I rested my palm. I know my writing with improve with practice and I'm actually happier with the way writing feels now. I can go through drills without stressing out and having to stop!

 

. <b> Thank you for the replies! </b>

[Bookman]

If the seat/table-height differential is too great you'll hunch your shoulders to get your hands and arms in writing position and you'll feel it in your upper back and shoulders; the tension there might extend to your neck. If the differential is too little you'll bend your back and feel the repercussions in your lower back. Ideally you want to be able to adjust the heights of both your chair and your table. See if you can find a way jury-rig a height adjustment of your table without reducing its stability. Maybe a large piece of plywood under all four legs if the table is small enough. Whatever writing setup you eventually choose or get stuck with, to be ergonomically correct your feet should be flat on the floor when you write, your thighs parallel to the floor, and your forearm should be parallel to your writing surface. Have another person check you from the side to make sure you're in proper ergo position.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Bookman