Computer Ergonomics: Work Pain Free

Most people, books, classes, even experts make a glaring ergonomic mistake. The result of this mistake is muscle tension, pain, injury and reduced productivity when working at the computer.

THE PROBLEM

The standard approach is to make the computer operator fit their configuration to the computer and workstation. The equipment is adjusted according to the directions on the box, or information learned from book, class or even a consultation at their workstation. Then the operator fits him or herself to the workstation. Renowned universities and brilliant engineers have come up with the formulas. They work great in theory, even in computer simulations.

Sounds good? Wrong!

The operator must use constant muscle contraction in some part of their body to fit themselves to the equipment, and to hold themselves in that working posture. This subtle contraction could be anywhere from fingers to hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, head and neck, low back, legs or feet.

This method does not take into account an individual’s areas of tension, pain or restriction resulting from old injuries and imbalances of muscle strength and flexibility (the subject of a future article).

THE SOLUTION

It is actually very simple! Put the operator into the most comfortable, relaxed, stress free position first; then adjust the equipment to the operators body. Check out www.workpainfree.com for a free version of Work Pain Free. You will have no-strings-attached access to a step-by-step system that will take you through the process to find your perfect ergonomic position. You will have more energy, be more productive, and have less tension, pain and injury.

Tags: arm pain, computer ergonomics, ergonomics, hand pain, headaches, migraines, Neck Pain, pain, workspace ergonomics

Question from Karen: Should your arm be lying flat on the desk to use your keyboard and mouse or should you be seated really  high so its just a slight move?

Hello Karen,

Your question does not have a straightforward answer. When you go through the Work Pain Free program, you will learn how to pick the best position for you……and that may vary throughout the day. The bottom line is the position that feels best, and has you feeling better at the end of the day is your best position.

The general rule is your elbows are relaxed at your side, there is a slightly open angle at the elbow, and the wrist is straight.

The wrist rest helps maintain the straight wrist and gives all of the arm, shoulder, neck and upper back muscles a rest when you pause, even for a moment.

Another option is that your arms are able to relax on the desk top while typing. The seat height desk top relationship must be such that the arms and shoulders are relaxed.

There are then other factors to take into consideration, such as low back support, leg support, etc.

The work Pain Free training is a system that will correlate all factors so you feel the best and are the most relaxed and productive

I hope this information helped you and I look forward to hearing back how good you feel.

Yours in health,

Dr. Barry Carlin

Tags: ergonomics, Neck Pain, shoulder pain, workstation ergonomics

Leg Pain From Poor Laptop Ergonomics

Paulette asked:

I started getting pain in the back of both legs (feels like sore tightened muscles) from my hips to my ankles. Wondering if this could be related to walking down a boardwalk and back which is about 2.5 miles, which I don’t normally walk more than a block on any day. I also work on a lap top, with a small 15″ screen and posture has not been supported by a pillow or anything.

With this pain starting 4 days after returning from my weekend in Wildwood Crest, it now 2 weeks and the pain is more severe that my gait and simple movement have become painful and difficult. Have you ever heard these symptoms from extensive computer use? I have never experienced this ever before. Please give me your thought?

Dear Paulette,

It is unlikely that the long walk was the cause of your pain. It could have aggravated an already existing situation in your low back, and that is very likely from the position you describe using your laptop. Now that the injury has occurred, the posture you are working in will maintain the injury and the painful pinched nerve. Below is an explanation of how the poor low back posture will cause the pain you describe, and several suggestions to correct the problem.

Continue Reading »

Tags: back pain, headaches, laptop ergonomics, Neck Pain, prevention