Computer-Related Pain? Minimize It With These Tips
By Paul Rothbart
With the invention of the personal computer and its spread throughout homes and offices, a new kind of workspace evolved. Desktop and laptop computers became commonplace and now many people work at a computer, either in an office or at home. While this has revolutionized the workplace in several positive ways, it has also created a new problem. Sitting at a desk, looking at a monitor while operating a keyboard and mouse can cause damage and pain to the body, especially the neck, back, and joints. There are steps you can take to minimize the pain.
Set Up Your Workplace
An ergonomically friendly workstation will go a long way toward reducing pain. It starts with your chair. Choose one that is comfortable and supports your back. It should have lumbar support. You could also use a cushion or rolled-up towel. Adjust the chair so that your elbows are at 90 degrees and your wrists are flat when using your keyboard and mouse. Set your monitor height so the top is at eye level and it is about an arm's length away. If you view hard copies, place them on a holder near the monitor to avoid turning your head down and to the side. This can cause neck pain.
Use a Laptop Ergonomically
Many people enjoy the portability of a laptop. While convenient, laptops are designed to be lightweight and compact, not ergonomic. The proximity of the keyboard and screen can cause back and neck pain. If your regular work computer is a laptop, use an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to allow you to use an ergonomic setup. You can also do this with just an external keyboard and mouse by placing the laptop on top of a platform that puts the screen at the right height. It is well worth making the extra effort to do this.
See a Chiropractor
No matter how careful you are, long hours spent working at a computer workstation can still cause subluxations and other issues to the spine and joints. These can cause pain and headaches. Regular chiropractic care can help. A chiropractor can find the problems and adjust them with a gentle manipulation. This can help minimize pain and prevent headaches. Anyone who works at a computer could potentially benefit from seeing a chiropractor.
Sitting in front of a computer all day may not be as exhausting as heavy construction, but it can still take a toll on your body. Avoid back, neck, and joint pain by working ergonomically. Consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. You don't need an appointment. Regular chiropractic care may work hand-in-hand with proper ergonomics to keep you pain-free and on the job.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.