In Hebrew we say "gam zu l'tov," this too is for blessing. We try to find some good or a lesson in anything we face. I'm not sharing the following for sympathy or concern, but instead as a lesson.
Some time ago I began to experience a set of symptoms in my right arm: Weakness, fatigue, pain, a loss of strength, and my hand began to atrophy. The symptoms slowly worsened. Occasionally, picking up my cuppa tea felt like an intense workout, and a handshake could be excruciatingly painful. I then began to experience mild symptoms in my left arm, and thus knew it was time - past time - to consult my doctor. My doctor found that the spaces between my neck vertebrae have compressed, and there is constant pressure on the nerve fibers exiting between those spaces. Fortunately there exists a range of treatment options. I will now work with my medical team to determine the next steps towards restoring full function.
Where I want to focus your attention is on the root cause. I've had a 40+ year career in tech. I frequently spend well over 10 hours per day, six days per week, hunched over a computer. There is always another task, another incoming ping, another person or project in need, and during all of that: My posture is terrible.
We spend more time with tech than in ages past. We hunch over our desktops, laptops, and other devices. There are several studies on the negative impact poor posture has on us over time. I'll point out this study-based set of recommendations from Princeton University as one example worth your time:
Ergonomics & Computer Use
Princeton University Health Services
https://lnkd.in/dHaYzYkZ
I am blessed to live and work in a walking community, which is something my wife and I love to do. Perhaps your community is less walking-friendly, but please do find a way to get up and move about. Exercise; even a walk is a great workout. Stand up, stretch, and move regularly - I use it as an excuse to find my wife and tell her dad-jokes. :) Join a club and attend meetings, so that you're up and moving and socializing in-person. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically squared away. You'll thank yourself 25+ years later.
As for me, please don't worry, I'll be fine. Assess, adapt, and overcome! I have the world's best teammate (my wife) and we will power through.
Shavua Tov (have a great week)!