Mecical Conditions Caused by Computer Use

    Overview

    With the personal computer now being a part of most families households and even at work, medical conditions have started to increase due to the typical use of these systems. Physical pain, eye strain, and according to some experts even obesity can be linked to frequent conputer use. It is the users responsibility to understand that these conditions can happen, and how to prevent them.

    Repetitive Stress Injuries

    "When the Internet was in its infancy, a new generation of computer users began working on their keyboards for 15 hours at a stretch. Then something strange started happening. Some employees began complaining about pain that wouldn't go away. Worse, the pain seemed to be aggravated by using the computer."1

    Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) is caused by frequent repetition of the same activity over a log period of time. A human body is just not designed to follow the same routine again and again for long. These injuries cause pain in the limbs, wrists, and could lead to more serious injuries. The best way to prevent these injuries is to take frequent breaks between uses, stretch out and excersise, and otherswise stop the repetitive use every half hour.

    Eye Strain

    "Vision is our most precious sense. Our eyes are in constant use every waking minute of every day. The way we use our eyes can determine how well we work throughout our lifetime. Over eighty percent of our learning is mediated through our eyes, indicating the important role our vision plays in our daily activities. Vision disturbance is a silent enemy that only appears afte along period of continued stress." 2

    Another problem caused by computers, is eye strain and other problems with vision. According to optometrists, roughly 10 million examinations are given annually because of vision problems associated with Video Display Terminals (VDTs). Common vision problems include eye strain, blurred vision, double vision, headaches and dry/irritated eyes. To combat these problems, experts again advise regular breaks between uses to minimize strain on the eyes. Increasing the size of the display or text to avoid strain, and having a correct distance from the screen are also advised.

    Back and Neck

    Laptops have been attributed to shoulder, back, and neck injuries. Imagine slinging a laptop bag over your shoulder to walk somewhere. Doesn't sound bad, but think about how your shoulder area feels. Laptops today can weight upwards to 20 pounds. Thats 20 pounds of pressure pushing on your shoulders as you walk. Not to mention if you also had a backpack with other heavy objects, such as text books. People underestimate the risk involved with slinging heavy objects onto their shoulders. Consider carefully lifting the laptop and not just slinging it like a common backpack. Also look into specially designed laptop bags, designed to even distribute the weight. You might scoff now, but its your health at risk.

    Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Carpal tunnel syndrome is described as "swelling inside a narrow "tunnel" formed by bone and ligament in the wrist; the tunnel surrounds nerves that conduct sensory and motor impulses to and from the hand, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness"3

    Of all the conditions that could be linked to computers, its this injury that gets the most attention. Known to be a RSI, cases of this injury have been attributed to the use of computers. However, in a recent study made by Harvard, new evidence shows that perhaps carpal tunnel is not caused by computers. "Recent research has found that heavy computer use—up to seven hours a day—does not increase risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, improper computer use and other workplace conditions can contribute to a type of disorder known as repetitive stress injury.Carpal tunnel syndrome is in fact not a repetitive stress injury, though it is often incorrectly described as one, says the Harvard report."4
    This article, published in December of 2005, says that Carpal Tunnel is not an RSI, but infact could be hereditary or caused by other factors such as obeisity or pregnancy.

    Correct Posture

    Posture is the most important key in preventing many injuries associated with computers. These include things like sitting strait, useing a footrest, and correct holding of ones hands as you type. Below, a picture from Michigan State University, is a picture displaying correct ways to sit while using a computer.


    Conclusion

    As shown, computers have not only made our lives easier, but has also complicated it in other fashions. Injuries attributed to computers are still on the rise, and if you use a computer regularly, be aware of the health risks involved. By following a few suggestions, you can avoid most problems. Take breaks every half hour to stretch. Keep your body moving and rest your eyes. When you sit to work, sit with good posture, and keep your eyes a good distance from the screen. Other activites besides computer use can stave off headaches or stress. Keep in mind that humans were not ment to sit for 8+ hours a day staring at a small display screen. Keeping mobile and active will help your body more then you think.



    References:

    1 http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticleSrc.jhtml?articleID=177101554
    2 http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123325/synd.htm
    3 http://http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/ergonomics.html
    4 http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2005/12/15/62979.htm