Computer Safety

Tendonitis is the most common problem associated with computer overuse. It is an inflammation of the tendon. It may be felt as pain or a grinding sensation during movement of the elbow, forearm, wrist or hand.

There are three stages:

1. Slight pain after extended computer use
2. Pain during and after computer use
3. More constant pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive stress injury. It results from nerve damage to the median nerve running through the palm side of the wrist. This is why wrist position during computer use is so important. Symptoms include:

• Pain and tingling in the thumb and first 3 fingers which may occur at night
• Decreased muscle mass in the thumb
• Decreased sensation or coordination

CHRIS GOES TO THE COMPUTER LAB:

1. He submits his student ID so the consultants dont hassle him.
2. He checks for a mousepad.
3. While he is waiting for the computer to verify his password, Chris adjusts the height of the chair so that his feet are flat on the floor with his hips and knees bent at a 90 degree angle. (The thick math book can be used to reference this angle, or just be placed underfoot for an extra boost if the chair doesnt adjust enough.)
4. Once seated, Chris places a rolled towel between the small of his back and the chair for lumbar support. He could have used a lumbar cushion, but this is cheaper.
5. Chris remembers that he sees better with his glasses on AND they make him look intelligent, so he puts them on.
6. Chris adjusts the contrast and brightness of the screen so that he can see best.
7. Next, he swivels the monitor so it is directly ahead of him and pushes it as far away as it will go. It should be at least an arms length away, the farther the better, as long as he can still see clearly.
8. Chris checks that the keyboard is parallel to his arms when he holds them out with his elbows bent at 90 degrees. If the keyboard is too high or too low, his wrists will be constantly bent to compensate for the height difference. The keyboard is fine. If it had been way off, he would have placed it in his lap.
9. Chris pulls out his spare (clean) pair of thick socks. He lays them in front of the keyboard. He now has the cheapest rest pad in New Brunswick. Remember, the rest pad is for breaks only. While typing, wrists should float above the keyboard.
10. He is almost ready to get down to business. He places the mouse in a spot easy to reach and pulls out his books. He checks his e-mail.
11. Chris checks his watch and realizes 15 minutes have flown by on Eden. He stops typing and takes a break to gently rotate his wrists and neck. 15 minutes later, he takes a 5 minute break from computer work. He takes notes and gets a drink.

• Do be like Chris - aware of safe computer use.
• Do take at least a 5-minute break every 30 minutes, or at the end of each page.
• Do gently move your neck, shoulders and hands through their range of motion every 10-15 minutes.
• Do strike the keys lightly and hold the mouse lightly.
• Do focus on a distant object periodically to relax your eyes. Blink often.
• Do keep hands and wrists warm to reduce injury and increase circulation.
• Do break up computer work with other work - proof-reading a hard copy or writing.
• Do see a doctor immediately if there is pain or tingling in your fingers or wrists that is recurrent or lasts more than a day.

For further information, check out:

Typing Injury FAZ Archive at http://www.tifaq.com

Sources:

"Taking Care of Computer Users," by David Musnick, NJ and Melinda M. Mueller, MS: ETR Associates, 1996.

Stretching at your Computer or Desk by Bob Anderson, Shelter Pubs., 1997.

"Conventional Wisdom" vs. Current Ergonomics," by Chris Grant, PhD: F-One Ergonomics, 1996.

Written by Kendra Sullivan (DC 99)

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