The Most Common Computer-Related Injuries To Watch Out For

Sometimes computer use and immobile in one place for extended periods of time can cause stress, strain and injuries that we may not even be aware of, which is why it is important to know about the commonly occurring computer related injuries and to vigilantly watch out for them, before they get worse:

Posture related Injuries: Though it may sound strange that sitting with little or no muscular effort can fatigue you, one can indeed get very fatigued from computer use. Being immobile impedes effective blood circulation and can therefore result in stiffness and pain.

Back and neck pain, arm and shoulder pain are the commonest and can owe themselves to bad sitting posture or bad ergonomic furniture design or placement that causes such bad posture.

Eyestrain: Eyestrain is another obvious problem that can occur due to extended computer use.

Focusing on the same thing at the same distance for long lengths of time is fatiguing for the eye muscles. Dryness of the eyes can be caused by insufficient blinking and consequently inadequate lubrication.

Staring at an illuminated surface is also fatiguing; much the same as watching TV for long periods. While this may not actually damage your eyesight, blurring, difficulty in focusing and refocusing or peripheral or distant objects and developing headaches are commonly occurring problems from eyestrain.

Over use of the upper limbs: Repetitive movements that computer use entails and awkward postures can contribute to overuse injury. This can result in swelling, pain, stiffness of joints as well as feelings of numbness and weakness in the hands, the elbows or wrist areas.

Computer related stress in children: Sometimes children who stay indoors for long lengths of time, may have long periods of time spent on the PC, and this can cause strains and injuries much the same as adults.

However, this can be exacerbated among children particularly because a workstation and its dimensions would typically be created with an adult in mind and the specifications may cause additional strain among smaller individuals.

Laptop Related Injuries: Laptops, though tremendously convenient and swiftly replacing desktops as one’s principal computer, were essentially designed as an alternative to a desktop for when one could not be reached.

In effect, they were designed for limited use for shorter spans of time. Now, however, since they are being used a lot more, laptop use can cause a number of problems because it can constrict and cramp you and your movements, it can cause the screen to be too near your eyes, and so can result in higher levels of physical stress and injury than a desktop. Carting around a heavy laptop bag can also be stressful.