Blog posts tagged with 'back pain and computer'

            USE A BOOK STAND WHILE READING

                        Figure 1                                        Figure 1A

When you read, do not bend your head too far forward and down. To prevent improperly positioning your head while you read, use a book stand or an inclined reading surface. An incline of 12 degrees is enough to prevent the ill-effects of a bent head posture. However, many tables and reading surfaces are not made with this incline, so it is easier to purchase a book stand to hold your reading material upright (FIGURE 1 and 1A). A bookstand reduces possible muscle spasms, headaches, and pain from prolonged improper head positioning.

DO NOT SIT WITH SHRUGGED SHOULDERS

Make sure your work station does not force you to sit with shrugged shoulders (SEE ABOVE). If you use a keyboard, it should not be elevated so that your shoulders are in a perpetually shrugged position. Likewise, do not use an elevated desk or rest your elbows on the desk or arms of the chair, as this forces shrugged shoulders. The desk height cannot typically be altered, which is why it is important to use an ergonomic chair that can be raised and lowered accordingly.      

          POSITION YOUR COMPUTER MONITOR CORRECTLY

  Hopefully, you don’t sit at a computer for longer than 50 minutes. However, if you do, make sure the computer monitor is positioned appropriately to prevent any back problems. Be certain the monitor is positioned so that there is no glare on the screen. Second, place the monitor so that your head is not too far forward or backward, and you don’t have to squint while looking at the screen. Please see the above picture for proper seated posture, while working at a computer.