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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: grizz441 on April 11, 2014, 03:41:51 PM

Title: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: grizz441 on April 11, 2014, 03:41:51 PM
 :old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: MrKrabs on April 11, 2014, 03:48:35 PM
Higher table and a straight-back chair...

Get up and stretch after every long sortie, or even every 45 min...
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: JOACH1M on April 11, 2014, 03:49:55 PM
Have a midget punch u in the back every 20 minutes   :D :banana:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Zoney on April 11, 2014, 04:00:45 PM
I lifted my monitor about 6 inches when my back started hurting.  It is now eye level.  I also get up out of the chair while climbing out and make sure I stretch a bit every time I stand up.  It's easy to get that "computer slump".  You must fight it, focus on your posture.

You ain't 15 anymore Grizz and this ain't AirWarrior :)

Now, where did I put that F86 ?










Mig 15's suck
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: waystin2 on April 11, 2014, 04:07:02 PM
I am at a computer all day at work.  Get that same twinge in between the shoulder blades.  Try one of these.  Spray it with water, microwave for 2-3 mins and lay it on the spot.  Loosens it right up.

(http://aromahotpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/neck-and-shoulder-wrap-royal-blue.jpg)
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 04:09:07 PM
I am at a computer all day at work.  Get that same twinge in between the shoulder blades.  Try one of these.  Spray it with water, microwave for 2-3 mins and lay it on the spot.  Loosens it right up.

(http://aromahotpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/neck-and-shoulder-wrap-royal-blue.jpg)

Do you pretend it's a fighter pilot scarf?
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Groth on April 11, 2014, 04:24:51 PM
 I've had to raise my monitor to just above eye level for same reason. Bad hip that makes back sore.
 I've also changed 'things' around so it's easier to stand while 'surfin' net. I may even go back to twisty stick so I fly standing, as I did when started.
 Good Luck..let us know what works for you!
                                                             JGroth
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: katanaso on April 11, 2014, 04:32:07 PM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:

Fly in a reclined position, not hunched over or leaning forward.  Splurge for a bigger monitor if you need to.  Get a better chair if you need to sit for a long period of time.  You're not old yet.   :lol
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Bear76 on April 11, 2014, 04:34:47 PM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:

Vicodin works for me.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Widewing on April 11, 2014, 04:42:18 PM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:

I've had and still have the same symptom. It got worse as I aged (started playing in my late 40s, and I'm 61 now). Very uncomfortable. I get up periodically and stretch. I rotate my shoulders and, if needed, lay on the floor with a pillow under the small of my back to stretch my spine. Break up your playing time. Spend some time doing something else, if need be (while sitting in the tower). My days of hour upon hour of uninterrupted play are over....
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: BuckShot on April 11, 2014, 05:20:02 PM
I had the same problem. I lowered my stick and throttle from the desk to the slide out keyboard shelf. That solved the problem for me. My keyboard is now up on the desk.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Midway on April 11, 2014, 05:28:05 PM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:

This works for me:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/11/27/study-slouching-better-for-back-than-sitting-up-straight/

 :salute FPH Grizz :rock
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 05:30:20 PM
This works for me:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/11/27/study-slouching-better-for-back-than-sitting-up-straight/

 :salute FPH Grizz :rock

Any possibility, at all, that you could perhaps say something constructive, or alternatively, constructively shut the hell up, beginning to sound a little Barry The Stalker :old:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: FLS on April 11, 2014, 05:34:49 PM
I started off with a comfortable chair and the monitor on a simple desk. Then I placed my controllers where they would be ergonomic by mounting shelves underneath the desktop. Now my desk is useless except for gaming/internet. But it's a very comfortable simpit.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 05:37:23 PM
I started off with a comfortable chair and the monitor on a simple desk. Then I placed my controllers where they would be ergonomic by mounting shelves underneath the desktop. Now my desk is useless except for gaming/internet. But it's a very comfortable simpit.

I took a drivers seat from a Jaguar and had my brother sort a transformer so every axis is adjustable.

Luxury car seats will kick the crap out of household seats every day of the week :old:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: ink on April 11, 2014, 05:40:32 PM
 :O

try tattooing for 25 years :cry

but for AH i got a good office chair that sits back...i dont have to lean in anymore :aok
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Midway on April 11, 2014, 05:43:41 PM
Any possibility, at all, that you could perhaps say something constructive, or alternatively, constructively shut the hell up, beginning to sound a little Barry The Stalker :old:

I offer fact based research with anecdotally supported evidence.  I have flown for many many tours 300+ hours each, achieved near top 5% status from said thousands of hours of flying, and never experienced back problems.   :)

Can you not see the constructive value of said post? :headscratch:

Must you disparage? :huh
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 05:44:51 PM
:O

try tattooing for 25 years :cry

but for AH i got a good office chair that sits back...i dont have to lean in anymore :aok

Do you still tattoo? my brother has really gotten into it over the past few years, all over his arms, back and shoulders.

I saw a guy in Afghan. had a full back George and Dragon, over the George Cross on his back that was done in the States and was stunning work.

Spent years in the military and I was the only guy in my troop with no tats :headscratch:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: ink on April 11, 2014, 05:47:35 PM
Do you still tattoo? my brother has really gotten into it over the past few years, all over his arms, back and shoulders.

I saw a guy in Afghan. had a full back George and Dragon, over the George Cross on his back that was done in the States and was stunning work.

Spent years in the military and I was the only guy in my troop with no tats :headscratch:

I do :aok
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 05:50:10 PM
Is it the skin as a medium that attracts you rather than canvas or paper
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: 10thmd on April 11, 2014, 05:54:44 PM
I took a drivers seat from a Jaguar and had my brother sort a transformer so every axis is adjustable.

Luxury car seats will kick the crap out of household seats every day of the week :old:

Sounds nice is it heated?
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: ink on April 11, 2014, 05:56:02 PM
Is it the skin as a medium that attracts you rather than canvas or paper


well years ago I saw it as a living art....way different then paper.....I Loved Tattooing.

now a days its just about the money.....

personally I cant stand how common they have become..the fad....Tattoos are not a fad...they are forever.

If I was rich I would only tattoo family and friends....I was doing just that for awhile  but....gotta make that money.  :bhead
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 06:01:50 PM
well years ago I saw it as a living art....way different then paper.....I Loved Tattooing.

now a days its just about the money.....

personally I cant stand how common they have become..the fad....Tattoos are not a fad...they are forever.

If I was rich I would only tattoo family and friends....I was doing just that for awhile  but....gotta make that money.  :bheadjavascript:void(0);

Everyone has them, when i first refused to have one they were rare  :rofl

Spent my time in the police and military since 1993, many a drunken conversation that could very well have lent itself to a Margueritaville moment
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: morfiend on April 11, 2014, 06:15:39 PM
 Grizz,


  the simple answer is if you have a problem it's always going to be a problem! You can help yourself though,get a chair that you can mount your controls to so you dont have to reach.
 Most computer/office chairs have padded arms,remove the pads and attach some shelves/platforms to the arms to mount your stick and throttle to so you can sit back and opperate the controls. If you use pedals,mount them to a piece of plywood and make a couple of holes that you can place the chair wheels into,then you wont chase the pedals around!

   Mntman made a nice setup that mounted to his chair,I think it could easily be removed if needed also!   If you search the help and training forum I think you can find a pic or two of how he did his.

   Having a chronic ...pain condition I understand what you're going through!



   :salute
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: BluBerry on April 11, 2014, 06:34:15 PM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:


you must not do enough drugs then.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: LCADolby on April 11, 2014, 06:36:01 PM
Hunched over the controls like a Goblin... *tuts*
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: grizz441 on April 11, 2014, 06:37:35 PM
Good ideas so far. I think the one that would work for me best so far is getting a bigger monitor and leaning back to fly, since this gives me relief, versus hunched over eyeballing tater angles.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: BluBerry on April 11, 2014, 06:40:31 PM
Good ideas so far. I think the one that would work for me best so far is getting a bigger monitor and leaning back to fly, since this gives me relief, versus hunched over eyeballing tater angles.

You know that when you get that good fight going you will be leaning forward right away though  :neener:
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Midway on April 11, 2014, 06:49:29 PM
You know that when you get that good fight going you will be leaning forward right away though  :neener:

Doing so on those occasions is much easier if you relaxed at a near 135 deg angle the rest of the time.  Like I said, it works for me.  :aok
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: MK-84 on April 11, 2014, 07:19:24 PM
Rather than moving yourself to your monitor, it may work far better to be able to move the monitor to you.
Perhaps something such as a canteliever monitor mount. It would allow you to move the screen closer to you and put it at an optimal angle when you are playing AH, and you can easily adjust it back afterwards.

Here is an example.
(http://img.rakuten.com/PIC/48037597/0/1/500/48037597.jpg)
(http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/thehumansolution/UpLift-Complete-Desk-Monitor-Arm.jpg)
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Midway on April 11, 2014, 08:18:07 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6187080.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6187080.stm) :old:

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42328000/gif/_42328901_seating_pos3_416.gif)
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Wiley on April 11, 2014, 08:27:32 PM
I'll +1 the recliner thing too.  I fly from a reclining chair with my HOTAS mounted to it.  I never have back issues.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 08:29:05 PM
I'll +1 the recliner thing too.  I fly from a reclining chair with my HOTAS mounted to it.  I never have back issues.

Wiley.

I play lying completely flat, with the monitor on the ceiling. I never suffer backache but find I fall asleep before the undercarriage has retracted :(
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: katanaso on April 11, 2014, 08:35:22 PM
I play lying completely flat, with the monitor on the ceiling. I never suffer backache but find I fall asleep before the undercarriage has retracted :(

lol
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Drane on April 11, 2014, 08:37:40 PM
DO NOT! I repeat...do not ignore wife ack. That will allow flying objects to hit you in back and cause pain.

 :huh
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Tinkles on April 11, 2014, 08:43:33 PM
 :rofl
DO NOT! I repeat...do not ignore wife ack. That will allow flying objects to hit you in back and cause pain.

 :huh
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Changeup on April 11, 2014, 09:04:02 PM
Back problems...

I one-up-you with my AH induced, lol

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac300/Changeup1/untitled.png) (http://s909.photobucket.com/user/Changeup1/media/untitled.png.html)
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: danny76 on April 11, 2014, 09:13:40 PM
Back problems...

I one-up-you with my AH induced, lol

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac300/Changeup1/untitled.png) (http://s909.photobucket.com/user/Changeup1/media/untitled.png.html)

Got diagnosed with that on Wednesday after a Gastroscopy, not the most entertainig experience but a shockingly uncomfortable condition, especially when it pops up at 03:30 :cry
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Changeup on April 11, 2014, 09:42:17 PM
Got diagnosed with that on Wednesday after a Gastroscopy, not the most entertainig experience but a shockingly uncomfortable condition, especially when it pops up at 03:30 :cry

Don't feel bad.  67% of people over 40 have one but it generally has no symptoms.  Its irritating sometimes but it generally leaves me alone except for sushi covered in wasabi or anything that might cause me to use a snowcone for toilet paper
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Dragon on April 11, 2014, 10:06:13 PM
I took a drivers seat from a Jaguar and had my brother sort a transformer so every axis is adjustable.

Luxury car seats will kick the crap out of household seats every day of the week :old:

Damn, I bet your neighbor was PISSED!


I would tend to agree though.  The soft leather seats of my Jag are far, far more comfortable than my chair at home or work.  My work chair I bought myself 8 years ago because I was coming from an HVAC installer to work at a desk all day.  The standard issue POS they offered killed my already ruined back in about an hour.  I bought a massaging overstuffed leather highback and it helped, but the car seat is still way better.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: moot on April 11, 2014, 10:33:50 PM
Don't lean forward.  Change chair/table etc as said above, if fixing posture isn't enough.  I had the same thing and along with posture fix, exercise to keep that area's muscles "awake" so they didn't slump the way bad posture encourages in the first place, that helped too.  Stuff like this really helped to keep a good posture without needing to consciously check myself.
(http://i.imgur.com/9lq7OzB.gif) (http://i.imgur.com/tlxwQR1.gif)
And then stretch.  When done right it felt like ironing out all the kinks from bad posture's tense muscles.  

And/or have someone massage that spot and everything around it.  But first of all fix bad posture.  Don't lean forward and don't weigh on wrists or shoulders.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: SilverZ06 on April 11, 2014, 10:35:15 PM
(http://hacknmod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/chair-600x450.jpg)
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: warhed on April 11, 2014, 10:46:55 PM
You need a smaller boyfriend Grizz
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: jeep00 on April 12, 2014, 05:06:31 AM
:old: :old: :old:

I'm starting to develop some back issues leaning forward playing as I get older, in particular, in my upper back where I have a nerve that is being pinched near my scapula.  It's getting to the point where I can only fly for about an hour before I can't concentrate anymore.  Any suggestions?

 :old: :old: :old:
I found that as well. I have to play wearing reading glasses now and I find that helps prevent that lean in andmy hack likes me for it. I have to stop resting my left wrist on top of the throttle though. That aches yet I keep doing it.
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: hitech on April 12, 2014, 02:16:40 PM
I lifted my monitor about 6 inches when my back started hurting.  It is now eye level. 
Mig 15's suck

After speeding almost 40 years infront of a monitor, I have taught many many people the importance of monitor position.And it has always eliminated there neck and back pains. Sit up straight in your chair, look level and straight ahead, the center of your monitor should be in the center of your vision and perpendicular to the table.

HiTech
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: matt on April 12, 2014, 02:35:32 PM
Have a midget punch u in the back every 20 minutes   :D :banana:
:rofl
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Randy1 on April 12, 2014, 02:53:20 PM
After speeding almost 40 years infront of a monitor, I have taught many many people the importance of monitor position.And it has always eliminated there neck and back pains. Sit up straight in your chair, look level and straight ahead, the center of your monitor should be in the center of your vision and perpendicular to the table.

HiTech
 

I do the same thing.  Get that monitor up. 

If things do get worse, you can fly from a recliner.  Get a large lap desk to hold your twisty joystick.  A cougar panel will help eliminate most of the key board commands.

As a side note.  I wonder if a Trackir will help some because of the continuous head movement?
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Bear76 on April 12, 2014, 03:06:25 PM
Have a midget punch u in the back every 20 minutes   :D :banana:

Little known fact: Grizz is a midget...









and Fester...





 :ahand
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: JimmyC on April 12, 2014, 04:05:37 PM
I know of  good remedy..
old northern European technique
Vodka
sauna
vodka
nudy swim in ice cold lake
followed by more vodka...
it might free you up a tad
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: zack1234 on April 12, 2014, 04:33:19 PM
Get a Corbeau gaming chair :old:

Stopped my back hurting
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Slash27 on April 12, 2014, 11:18:07 PM


And/or have someone massage that spot and everything around it.  
You free tomorrow night?
Title: Re: Ergonomics of Aces High
Post by: Widewing on April 13, 2014, 02:27:22 AM
Talk about ergonomics....

(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/p600x600/10153710_693568304022224_3275580204603760271_n.jpg)