Sooo, I sustained my first nerd injury today and wanted to give some FYI to all my fellow nerds out there on how to avoid neck and back pain, and even heart disease.

Nerd Injury (nurd-in-juh-ree):
- harm or damage that is done or sustained during computer work, video games, role-playing battles in the park, or any other event that might encourage “embarrassed-for-you” looks.

Seriously though, I have the misfortune of working a desk job, which are known to cause back issues, horrible posture and loss of personality. A number of doctors and physicians have given recommendations on how to maintain your nerdy status without sustaining any injuries. I have listed a few of those tips to be considered..

1) Keep your head up.

Focus on aligning your head and neck right above your shoulders; avoid straining forward.

2) Move your mouse close

Ideally, it should be placed right next to your keyboard so you don’t overreach or twist your shoulder, arm, or wrist when clicking.

3) Be choosy with your chair

Pick one that allows your lower back to rest against a lumbar support. Then tilt the back of the chair so it’s very slightly reclined.

4) Sit within reach

Your torso should be about an arm’s length away from the monitor, which should be 2 to 3 inches above eye level.

5) Take breaks

Getting up at least once an hour—to go to the bathroom or just do some shoulder rolls—reduces pressure on spinal disks and boosts circulation. Payoff: you’ll be more limber and less stressed.

(Credit goes to CNN Health.)

I know there are hundreds more tips out there, so get to googling and save yourself some unneeded trips to the chiropractor.