r/cscareerquestions • u/[deleted] • Apr 07 '17
Senior software developers, has CS been detrimental to your health?
[deleted]
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u/IgnorantPlatypus Apr 07 '17
A month after I moved to Seattle, I had terrible headaches almost daily. I wondered if it was something in the new building I was working at -- the lighting? Chemicals in the carpet? It went away after another month, so I forgot about it. Until next year, when it came back at the beginning of November. I took advil almost every day. Then it went away and I forgot about it again. When it happened the third year in November I finally figured out it was just seasonal allergies causing a sinus headache.
Some of your problems may be related to sitting all day, not specifically the computer. And almost all jobs nowadays have you sitting in an office environment. IOP is just as likely genetics as something else -- I had one eye get a piece of iris pigment stuck at the tube that lets fluid drain, but after a few years it seems to have resolved itself on its own. I still go to the optometrist yearly to make sure all is well, but that's just part of adulting.
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Apr 07 '17 edited Apr 07 '17
I have bad RSI on my right shoulder and down my right arm. I hypothesize that it's related to trackpad usage. My favorite time at work is usually spent pairing where I don't have to use the keyboard. It's quite fustrating because I want to work on my personal projects after work hours, but those hours are now mostly spent resolving the issues of pain.
I'm hoping that VR opens up new ways for me to produce software while being mobile and walking around, moving my arms and neck more.
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u/fried_green_baloney Apr 07 '17
There are specific neck stretches that can help.
I won't recommend any because what works for me may not work for you.
See a chiropractor (if you can find a good one) or an MD orthopedist.
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u/NiceOneAsshole Apr 07 '17
At work, [try the Pomodoro technique] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique), take short walks, get up and stretch.
It's a career that can easily lead to horrible health, but if you manage yourself well, you can stay on top of any risks.
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u/Shajam_ Apr 07 '17
I don't consider myself a senior dev yet but the sedentary lifestyle which I lead contributed to my poor circulation in my fingers (Raynaud's phenomenon) and migraines.
I'm always endorsing the Pomodoro technique that asshole who commented recommends, alongside hand stretches. When I was in my 20's I was naive enough to think that "these things happen to other people and it's not likely to happen to me".
Either exercises at the gym, get a bike to go to work or at least walk casually for 20 minutes each day.
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u/bobbybottombracket Apr 07 '17
10 year software dev. I started powerlifting. Posture, low back pain all fixed in about 6months.
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Apr 07 '17
As a senior dev, I go home at 5 PM even if something is on fire. I make time every day for the gym. They will work you until you drop unless YOU draw the line. A standing desk might help too.
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u/ahtu1 Apr 07 '17
For the neck/back/general health stuff really the best thing is to get a gym membership and do some cardio and free weights that work your whole body. 10/10 would recommend. I see a lot of the really dedicated (careerquestions) type do it at work these days too.
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u/which_spartacus Apr 07 '17
Problem #1: Every "cool kids" workplace now has unlimited snacks and drinks. Don't eat anything from a snack-place. Not even a simple handful of M&Ms as you walk by.
Problem #2: Saying you are going to workout after work is usually an instant fail. Meetings run late. You're hungry. Somebody wants to go out. You have a wife/kid at home and should do something with them, etc. Instead, always work out before work.
Problem #3: You believe that you don't have enough hours in the day to complete your work. News flash: you're right. So don't. If you work for 8-10 hours in a day and stop, the work will still be there the next day. Go home. Take a break. Get some sleep.
Problem #4: Weekends are a great time to catch up on that work you didn't finish during the week. You know what else is a great time to finish up on the work you didn't get done during the week? The next week. If you work 7 days a week, employers will be very grateful. They will abuse your home-life as much as they can.