Every generation of humanity has had its’ physical challenges related to their work environment. In the pre-industrial age the major physical effects of work had to do with agriculture and farming. In the industrialized age there was the threat of injury related to machinery and exposure to industrial toxins.
In the age of computer technology the threat relates to desk job health. This monograph will be focused upon how to stay healthy at a desk job
Although you may think that a “desk job” is the healthiest way to work, there are several threats even in that type of work environment. The threats are primarily related to disuse phenomena or poor body kinetics. Kinetics is the study of human motion and position.
The human body is optimally designed to be in motion. Sitting at a desk all day is contrary to the design of the human body and results in predictable disuse injuries. Fortunately, these disuse injuries are preventable with a little pre-planning.
There are essentially 3 main categories of disuse that can occur: Spinal disuse injuries from poor spinal alignment, Joint disuse injuries, and disuse of the circulatory system. Let’s look at each category and see if we cannot initiate some measures to reduce the likelihood of injury.
I have since learned there are several Common Computer-Related Shoulder Injuries & Conditions
• Impingement Syndrome / Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• and other Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Anytime you start feeling a strain, pain, or discomfort of any sort in your hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or neck while using your computer (especially if you are using a lame traditional mouse) STOP and check out your circumstances. Continuing only results in unbelievable PAIN, loss of movement and loss of work! (Oh, and did I mention the PAIN!!?!)
I just am regaining some range of motion in my right arm which has been in a sling for a week. The good news is I now am using a Handheld Mouse that no longer restricts my hand or arm movements… why didn’t I find this little fella long ago—it’s GREAT!
Reply
It's PAINFUL? Let me say this... I have given birth natural —no meds, twice, taken a bullet (for real), broken bones and never had pain comparable to what I just experienced with Bursitis. It is a constant stabbing, throbbing (are you feeling this folks) pain that grows and spreads. It started in my shoulder and made its devastating way down to my hand and up through my neck, the right side of my face and upper back. It was paralyzing... JUST BECAUSE I ignored the signs my body was sending me with discomfort I was having using my mouse.
For YEARS, I have spent regularly 8+ hours a day on my computer (oh the joy of working at home, right?). A great deal of my work involves working with graphics so I am maneuvering my "malevolent" mouse often. Let me share with everyone. The "traditional mouse" is a major doctor's bill, major pain, and stiffness waiting to happen. I have dozens of associates who had their bouts with wrists... I thought I was fortunate because I never felt the signs there... but it finally got me in my shoulder.
Please keep me posted on what you write about on "computer related injuries". I am taking this VERY SERIOUSLY, NOW.
Keep sharing this type of information, Jeff. It is valuable. You can share my experience as a cautionary tale.
Thank you for your sincere concern.
Regards,
Jeff
Kind regards,Syd.
Linda
Did you time how long they all take if we did them every 20 minutes for some and every 30 minutes for others?
Excellent reminders, though. Thank you.
Great comments...you are the best:)
Regards,
Jeff
Great comments...you are the best:)
Regards,
Jeff
