Nicole Matoushek PT MPH CSHE CEES
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Joined: January 15, 2005
From: St. Petersburg, FL
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As therapists, we treat patients for work and non-work related clinical conditions or disorders. Most of our patients and ourselves are exposed to computer-related ergonomic risk factors on a daily basis which may or may not be the reason the patient seeks treatment. This exposure to computer-related ergonomic risk factors may aggravate or delay the healing of the injury the patient is being treated for. Since more and more of us spend more time in front of laptop or desktop computers both for work and during our off time, it is important to take time to look at computer-related ergonomic problems so we can reduce the impact they may have in delaying healing and preventing re-injury. If we as therapists remain unaware and fail to educate our patients on these computer-related ergonomics problems, we fail to pass along valuable information to help our patients heal as quickly as possible. There are several solutions to improve these computer-related ergonomic problems and as they say: “Choice is a function of awareness”, once we become aware of the ergonomic problems, we can choose to do something about it—correct it.
Computer-Related Ergonomic problems can be caused by both work-related and non-work related factors. Computer-related Ergonomics problems are conditions which affect millions of people every single day. These Computer-related Ergonomics problems are only getting worse, as more and more of us use desktop and laptop computers all day, then again at night, we are spending more and more time in front of our computers and we will pay the price if we do not pay attention to our postures and bodies.
Common Types of Computer-Related Ergonomic Problems:
The most common types of computer-related ergonomic problem include:
Cumulative Trauma Disorders of Arm
Ergonomics Problems of the Eye
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Other Ergonomic Problems: neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches
Typically, cumulative trauma disorders of the hand and wrist make up the most frequently seen ergonomic-related computer injury in the clinics. Conditions often include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprain, strain, De Quervains, trigger finger and ganglion cysts.
Symptoms of Computer-Related Ergonomic Problems
Below is a list of the most common clinical signs and symptoms of computer-related ergonomic risk factors. The ergonomic eye problems will be discussed at length next.
Pain or aching in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back followed by discomfort
Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in hand or fingers
Dry, itchy, red or sore eyes
Blurred or double vision
Tight, sore neck and shoulder muscles
General fatigue or tiredness
Reduced grip strength in the hand
Swelling or stiffness in the hand or wrist
Reduced range of motion in the hands, wrist, shoulder, neck, or back
Weakness
Tension stress headaches and other stress disorders
Ergonomic Risk Factors for Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems
The primary ergonomics risk factors for Computer-related Ergonomic problems like Cumulative Trauma Disorder and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include: repetitive motions, poor support, awkward posture, forceful movements and overall poor workplace ergonomics set-up. All of these ergonomic risk factors can simply and easily be reduced or eliminated. Prevention is cost-effective and easy, compared to the alternative of living in pain, high medical costs, therapy or surgery and lost time or lost work efficiency.
The main causes of Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems
The main causes of computer-related ergonomics problems related specifically to the workstation design or set up. Often time we see very poor ergonomics set up with laptop users due to the inherent inability to adjust the various components of the computer such as the screen, mouse and keyboard. Here is a list of the computer set-up related causes:
Awkward and poor posture
Repetitive motions and tasks
Forceful movements
Poor workplace set-up
Sitting in same posture for continuous long hours
Lower back and /or leg support is inadequate
Poor lighting
Documents and monitor screen not at same angle and plane
Keyboard and computer mouse not at same angle and plane
How to Solve Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems:
Solving computer-related ergonomic problems is all about postural education, postural adjustment and the re-arrangement of the computer set-up to be within ergonomic guidelines. There are numerous sites that offer ergonomic office computer accessories. In addition, part II of this series offers computer posture set-up guidelines for desktop and laptop computers.
Ergonomics Eye Problems: Computer Eye Strain
Ergonomic problems of the eye or computer eye strain is the most common Ergonomics Problem that computer users all over the world experience. A number of symptoms associated with ergonomic eye problems or computer eye strain have been experienced and proved worldwide.
Here are some of the symptoms related to computer eye strain and vision:
Visual fatigue
Blurred or double vision
Burning and watering eyes
Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses
These symptoms are now commonly grouped as a disorder and are called "Computer Vision Syndrome" or C.V.S. The American Optometric Association defines, C.V.S as “A complex of eye and vision Problems which are experienced during and related to computer use”.
There are basic ergonomic problems that occur with the prolonged viewing of desktop and laptop computer screens. The nature of screen characters and images necessitates subtle but continual refocusing. If one has to regularly switch the attention between a close screen and more distant workspace objects things become more complicated. C.V.S results from this change in dynamics.
Another cause of ergonomic eye problems or computer eye strain is that the average person blinks approximately 4 times per minute, far less than the natural rate of 22 blinks per minute. This lower blink rate causes eye moisture to evaporate, resulting in a "dry eye" condition. The symptoms of dry eye are sensations such as itching, burning, blurring, heavy eyelids, fatigue and double vision. There is no evidence yet that computer work causes permanent eye damage. But the temporary discomfort that may occur can produce fatigue, headaches, general discomfort, reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction.
In most cases, ergonomic eye problems or computer eye strain results from visual fatigue. This visual fatigue is caused by poor or inadequate lighting, glare from bright windows or strong overhead light sources, light reflecting off the display screen, poor display screen contrast and from excessive eye muscle readjustments, such as when a document holder is not used, the computer users eyes must constantly readjust as the user looks back and forth from documents to the computer screen, as these visual fields are not of similar plane or angle.
Ergonomics Eye Problems: Vision
Here are the common symptoms of Ergonomics Eye Problems or Computer Eye strain:
Reading and/or using a computer causes eyes to tear, itch, become dry and red or hurt.
Squinting, eye rubbing, or excessive blinking.
Blurred vision.
Light sensitivity after reading.
Double vision.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigues easily after reading.
Head tilting, closing or blocking one eye when reading.
Skips lines or loses place when reading.
Difficulty tracking moving objects.
Misaligning letters or numbers.
Unusual posture or moving head closely to see book or paper.
While reading, you feel that words, letters, or lines run together or jump around.
Difficulty concentrating or comprehending reading material.
Poorly spaced written words.
Poor eye hand coordination.
What is important to remember as therapists, as we do not treat the eye or the eye conditions, is that symptoms of ergonomic eye problems or computer eye strain can translate into other physical problems that affect the entire body. Clinically, computer eye strain may cause additional body stress, general fatigue, muscle strain from performing excessive motions and postural strain which results from compensation for vision problems. Remember to ‘see’ the whole picture and treat the cause of the physical symptoms.
Methods to Avoid Ergonomic Eye Problems & Computer Eye strain:
Here are some simple techniques and guidelines to improve the computer set-up in order to optimize proper posture and reduce the physical strain that can cause or aggravate the strain on the eyes from prolonged or continuous computer work.
Periodically focus on objects at varying distances, such as looking away at a wall clock 50 feet away
Blink the eyes regularly, use eye drops for moisture
Try to keep the air around you moist – For instance, you can use plants, open pans of water or a humidifier (spider plants are said to be particularly good for this and removing chemical vapors from the air)
Use a monitor arm if you use a desktop computer to adjust the screen height/seating so that while you are comfortably seated, your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen. If you use a laptop computer, use a laptop holder to properly position your screen.
Adjust the brightness control on your monitor for comfort. Focusing on the monitor for a long time with full brightness can cause Ergonomic Eye Problems or Eyestrain.
Adjust the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background
Do not position monitors directly in front of windows
Ensure proper lighting by using task lighting fixture. Avoid strong overhead light sources.
Use a document holder to keep the screen and documents at the same distance from your eyes
Do regular eye testing at least once every 2 years and more frequently if necessary - especially if you are experiencing Ergonomics Eye Problems or Computer eye strain related to using display equipment. Specify the distance from your eyes to the monitor to your optician and get information regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals.
Summary:
Part I of the series on Computer-related Ergonomics Problems focused on the clinical symptoms and conditions a therapist may observe or treat in patients in the clinic. Part II of the series will provide ergonomic guidelines for proper computer set-up for laptop and desktop computers. These guidelines can help individuals take immediate action to improve their computer ergonomics set-up.
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Nicole Matoushek, PT, MPH, CSHE, CEES
http://www.ErgoRehabinc.com
http://www.ErgoRehabBlog.com
http://www.ComputerAccessoriesOnlineStore.com
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