The Alexander Technique And Computer Injuries

Computer injuries and the Alexander Technique? What’s that? You’ve heard of football injuries, and boxing injuries and even tennis injuries, but computer injuries? What does the Alexander Technique have to do with injuring yourself with a computer? Boxing and football share an injury caused by blows to the head; concussions. You can’t really get a concussion using a computer, as far as I know. However, you can injure yourself very seriously at the computer. Computers, or how we use them, can cause neck pain ranging from mild to oppressive. My severe neck pain was caused by how I was unconsciously looking forward and down at the screen, along with looking forward and down at a musical instrument. I don’t know where I’d be today if I hadn’t stumbled upon the Alexander Technique. Perhaps I’d be on my second or third operation, because I’d still be using the computer the same way after the operation as before. Once one level (C6-C7 for example) was ‘fixed’ during surgery, I might have to go back to get C5-C6 ‘fixed’.
Some people hurt their backs sitting at the computer all day. As an Alexander Technique teacher I’m seeing this injury constantly. People are in so much pain they have to occasionally stay home from work. In fact, one of the most common causes people miss work is back pain, along with headaches, which can also be a computer related ‘injury’. I was getting headaches which were hard to distinguish from my neck aches. Even if the pain is not enough to consider surgery, it can certainly interfere with your quality of life.
Carpal Tunnel and other hand issues including repetitive strain injuries are often caused by how we use the computer. In my case compressing my neck caused numbness, tingling and pain all the way down to my hand.
The Alexander Technique is the good news. I teach, show, and coach almost everyone who comes to me how to use the computer without injury. If people are in pain already I teach them how to stop injuring themselves, and the steps to take to allow the body to heal. You could try it right now. See if you can notice any neck tension. It’s there, though you may not be able to sense it at this point. However you can learn to let these muscles go. If you release your neck muscles, your head will rotate forward, and move up. You could think this way: I want my neck to be free so that my head will move forward and up. This ‘forward’ business doesn’t mean forward as in your face moving towards the screen; in fact it’s the opposite. The forward is a forward rotation of the head achieved by letting your neck muscles release and slightly lowering your nose, while the crown of your head moves up. As you’re thinking about that, let your sit bones move down in the chair in opposition to your head and torso moving up. Let your shoulders rest on your ribcage and rid yourself of any extra tension in your arms and hands.
Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC
Call Mark@ 269-POSTURE
or 917.709.4648
Related posts:







Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
I think everyone who use the computer should get an alexander technique lessons…!
Cheers from Israel
Cheers back to Israel! I believe Israel has quite a few Alexander Technique teachers.
Best
Mark
MarkJosefsberg.com
Leave a comment!
Alexander Technique »
Group Alexander Technique Class in NYC!
Mark Josefsberg-Certified Alexander Technique Teacher in New York City. Group Alexander Technique Class this Tuesday! On Tuesday, March 16th I will be giving a small group introductory class from 6:45 to 8PM. It will be held at ACAT- 39 West 14th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Room 507. The cost will be only $20. Sample for yourself what this powerful Technique can do for you. Bring friends! Of course, private one to one lessons is how the Alexander Technique is traditionally taught, but group lessons can be an effective, inexpensive way to be introduced to the Technique…
Neck Pain »
Alexander Technique In The Cold
It can get pretty cold in New York City, and the Alexander Technique can help; not with the cold, but how we react to the cold. When we’re cold we tend to shorten our spines, though this is usually an unconscious action. We scrunch our necks in an effort to keep warm. It might or might not it keep us warm, but it certainly doesn’t help our neck…
Posture »
Alexander Technique Posture Habits
Many Alexander Technique teachers are slumpers, or former slumpers. My name is Mark and I’m a slumper. Slumping was my habit before I became an Alexander Technique teacher, and it will be my habit forever. Although …
Stress »
How To Relieve Stress In A New York Minute With The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique teaches us how to reduce our stress in a New York minute. In New York City, or any other large city, less stress is welcome and needed. The Alexander Technique helps by giving us more control over ourselves, but this control is not the rigid kind we usually think of. The Alexander Technique type of control leads towards freedom and the lessening of stress and tension…
Why Alexander Technique lessons?
2. Get lasting relief for your back pain and neck pain. (reported by The British Medical Journal)
3. Reduce your anxiety and stress.
4. Carry yourself with confidence, and present yourself with poise and strength.
5. Breathe easier and have a stronger voice.
6. Why Alexander Technique lessons?
Because we live in New York!
Mark Josefsberg-AmSAT and ACAT Certified Alexander Technique Teacher
Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com
(269)-POSTURE
or 917.709.4648
TWITTER-AlexanderTechNY
Please see $FAQ$ and Contact pages (on top of this page) for fees and locations.
Video
Categories
What is the Alexander Technique?
Private and group classes. For locations and fee info, please see Contact and FAQ$ pages (tabs on top of this page) Please visit the Contact page or any post to email or call me. Thanks! Mark Josefsberg-Alexander Technique NYC Mark@MarkJosefsberg.com
Join My Free Enewsletter
Archives
Blogroll
Tags
Alexander Technique Alexander Technique Lessons Alexander Technique Lessons.#1 Alexander Technique Lessons.#2 Alexander Technique Lessons.#3 Alexander Technique Principles Alternative Medicine Awareness Back Pain bad posture Balance Being Present books Breathing computer posture Directions driving Ergonomics exercises good posture Happiness Holistic Inhibition Meditation musicians Neck Pain New York Times observation oppositions pain Poise Posture side effects slumping Stress Tension