
The problem is that the monitor and keyboard of a laptop are very close together. But these days many people use a laptop all the time. Laptop computers were designed to be used for short periods of time when a person couldn’t access a desktop computer. Injuries from laptop computersThe growing use of laptop computers has caused more pains, strains and injuries among computer users.

The human eye structurally prefers to look at objects more than six metres away, so any work performed close up puts extra demands on your eye muscles. Remove your hands from the keyboard when not actively typing, to let your arms relax.Įyestrain from computer useFocusing your eyes at the same distance point for long periods of time causes fatigue.Mix your tasks to avoid long, uninterrupted stretches of using the computer.Use your whole arm, not just your wrist, when using the mouse.Position the mouse as close as possible to the side of the keyboard.Have your mouse at the same height as your correctly positioned keyboard.Preventing computer-related overuse injuriesTips to avoid overuse injuries of the hand or arm include: Symptoms of these overuse injuries include pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, weakness and numbness. This is known as ‘overuse injury’ and typically occurs in the elbow, wrist or hand of computer users. Stand often.Ĭomputer-related overuse injuries of the hand or armMuscles and tendons can become painful with repetitive movements and awkward postures. Take frequent short breaks and go for a walk, or do stretching exercises at your desk.Use an ergonomic keyboard so that your hands and wrists are in a more natural position.Use an ergonomic chair, specially designed to help your spine hold its natural curve while sitting.Adjust your chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor, or use a footstool.Your forearms should be roughly parallel with the floor and level with the keyboard. Have your keyboard at a height that lets your elbows rest comfortably at your sides.Have the computer monitor (screen) either at eye level or slightly lower.


Sit at an adjustable desk specially designed for use with computers.Preventing computer-related muscle and joint injuriesTips to avoid muscle and joint problems include: If a workstation is not set up properly, these steady positions can put even greater stress on your muscles and joints. This reduces circulation of blood to your muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, sometimes leading to stiffness and pain. Such muscle and joint problems can be caused or made worse by poor workstation (desk) design, bad posture and sitting for long periods of time.Īlthough sitting requires less muscular effort than standing, it still causes physical fatigue (tiredness) and you need to hold parts of your body steady for long periods of time. Posture-related injuries from computer useBack and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain are common computer-related injuries. You can reduce or avoid these risks with the correct furniture, better posture and good habits, such as taking rest breaks and restricting time spent playing computer games. Inappropriate computer use can cause muscle and joint pain, overuse injuries of the shoulder, arm, wrist or hand, and eyestrain.Ĭhildren can experience particular physical and psychological problems if they play computer games too much. But long periods of using a computer can increase your chance of developing an injury. The computer is a vital tool in many different jobs and activities, for adults and children.
