The Computer is An Enemy to Your Body
Technology has been a great help to people. It helps us to organize ourselves and provides a second brain. By setting alarms and reminders, we can release constant thoughts of the when and where of many tasks. There is, however, a price that we pay for these advantages.
Let?s take a look at a scenario that is quite common. You decide to do some work on the computer today. With that being said, you need to start the computer. You are already in the seat and rather not get back out of the chair. The switch is on the computer tower; you bend forward and twist down enough to reach the on button. By doing this particular movement, the disc in the low back area are at their most vulnerable and weakest point. This causes stress on the low back if this movement is one that happens often.
Now you open the document and start typing. Most people look at the keyboard when they are typing. That bends your head and neck forward. This is the opposite direction that your neck curve is designed to be in. Then, what I call "the black hole" develops.
People actually look like they are getting sucked into the computer screen after a short time of working. Shoulders begin to slump forward, the head moves forward towards the screen. Did you know that for every inch that your head moves forward, there is 25 pounds of additional stress placed on the neck and spine.
The stress now increases because you may stay in this position for hours. In addition to this most people who use computers will do this on a regular basis. We also need to add in the motion of the chair. Now that almost all office chairs have wheels, people don't actually get out of the chair when bending and twisting.
The printer is often positioned off to the side, so the user will just rotate the chair to the side and reach. Again this is places the stress on the low back. When going from sitting to standing, the computer user will rotate the chair and step out instead of backing the chair out and standing straight up. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? There are some things that you can do to reduce the stress on your body while using the computer.
First look at your workstation. The monitor should be at eye level and directly in front of the keyboard. Rotate the position of your printer periodically if you can. A great alternative to rolling your chair is to back your chair out from the desk and stand up straight. Just performing this task will eliminate a lot of stress on your body.
You should be observant of your elbow and hand position. Did you know that it is best to use a chair with no armrest? No armrest actually allow for your shoulders to relax, instead of being pushed up. A good comfortable hand rest is a great idea. Your forearms should be parallel with the floor. Another body part that should be parallel with the floor are your thighs when adjusting the height of the chair.
You should stand and stretch every 30 minutes or so. Stretching and walking around will allow your body to get some extension time. All computer work is bending forward. This is called flexion. You can extend your body and release tension by standing.
As a Chiropractor in Charlotte, NC I have observed that these tips can help reduce much stress that happens at home and work. The computer is a wonderful tool, but can cause damage to the body if not used properly. If you follow these tips in this article, hopefully it will help you enjoy using this particular form of technology a little more. - 17268
Let?s take a look at a scenario that is quite common. You decide to do some work on the computer today. With that being said, you need to start the computer. You are already in the seat and rather not get back out of the chair. The switch is on the computer tower; you bend forward and twist down enough to reach the on button. By doing this particular movement, the disc in the low back area are at their most vulnerable and weakest point. This causes stress on the low back if this movement is one that happens often.
Now you open the document and start typing. Most people look at the keyboard when they are typing. That bends your head and neck forward. This is the opposite direction that your neck curve is designed to be in. Then, what I call "the black hole" develops.
People actually look like they are getting sucked into the computer screen after a short time of working. Shoulders begin to slump forward, the head moves forward towards the screen. Did you know that for every inch that your head moves forward, there is 25 pounds of additional stress placed on the neck and spine.
The stress now increases because you may stay in this position for hours. In addition to this most people who use computers will do this on a regular basis. We also need to add in the motion of the chair. Now that almost all office chairs have wheels, people don't actually get out of the chair when bending and twisting.
The printer is often positioned off to the side, so the user will just rotate the chair to the side and reach. Again this is places the stress on the low back. When going from sitting to standing, the computer user will rotate the chair and step out instead of backing the chair out and standing straight up. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? There are some things that you can do to reduce the stress on your body while using the computer.
First look at your workstation. The monitor should be at eye level and directly in front of the keyboard. Rotate the position of your printer periodically if you can. A great alternative to rolling your chair is to back your chair out from the desk and stand up straight. Just performing this task will eliminate a lot of stress on your body.
You should be observant of your elbow and hand position. Did you know that it is best to use a chair with no armrest? No armrest actually allow for your shoulders to relax, instead of being pushed up. A good comfortable hand rest is a great idea. Your forearms should be parallel with the floor. Another body part that should be parallel with the floor are your thighs when adjusting the height of the chair.
You should stand and stretch every 30 minutes or so. Stretching and walking around will allow your body to get some extension time. All computer work is bending forward. This is called flexion. You can extend your body and release tension by standing.
As a Chiropractor in Charlotte, NC I have observed that these tips can help reduce much stress that happens at home and work. The computer is a wonderful tool, but can cause damage to the body if not used properly. If you follow these tips in this article, hopefully it will help you enjoy using this particular form of technology a little more. - 17268
About the Author:
Author: Dr. Robert Simmons is a charlotte chiropractor using applied kinesiology technique. We regularly hold free charlotte chiropractic nutrition seminars and workshops for self improvement.
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