Computers, we can’t live without them; however working in the computer for long hours can lead to some health problems. This is mainly caused because we restrict our movement for long hours when we sit in front of the computer. Let’s look at 3 of the most common health problems caused by computer use and how you can combat them.
1. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
This is one of the most common health problems caused by computer use. Patients suffering from CTS endure years of pain in their hands and wrists. In some advanced cases it can makes simple chores like holding a cup or dusting furniture seem like impossible tasks. Carpel tunnel syndrome is mainly caused due to the continuous stress put on the wrist joints during prolonged computer use. This is especially common among people whose work involves a lot of typing. CTS is becoming increasingly common among people with desk jobs. According to a recent study 1 out of every 8 computer professional suffers from this problem.
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There is no proven way to prevent CTS; however you can reduce the risk of CTS by reducing the level of stress put on hands and wrists during a long work hour. CTS is caused by continuous stress and restrictive movement, so take frequent stretch-breaks. Gently bend and stretch your arms and wrists after every 30 minutes of continuous work. To further reduce the stress on the wrist make sure your keyboard is at the same level or at a lower than your elbows.
2. Asthenopia
Also known as fatigue of eyes, this is a disorder which leads to several types of problems such as headache, pain around the eyes, double vision, and fatigue. This is commonly caused when we keep staring at the computer screen for a long time without taking a break. When working in front of the computer the eyes have to continuously focus on the computer screen. This can cause irritation in the eyes which can lead to headache and fatigue. This is the primary reason we feel fatigued and dizzy after working in front of the computer for long hours even though our bodies were completely at rest.
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To prevent this problem from occurring make sure you look at objects that are at varied distances every now and then. This lets your eyes focus objects at different points and relieves the stress put on them. Shifting to LCD monitors can also reduce the risk of asthenopia, with fewer flickers and better focus compared to CRTs these cause less stress to the eyes.
3. Back Shoulder and Neck Pain
Prolonged use of computers puts a lot of stress on your back shoulders and neck. Almost everyone who has used a computer for a long time has faced this issue at some levels. This is especially true for people with bad posture. Sitting on poorly designed chair which is not ergonomically designed can also lead to this problem. Although it might seem to be a minor issue, it does have the potential to cause permanent back, shoulder or neck problems when you get older.
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You can prevent this by simply taking frequent breaks to stretch your back, neck, and shoulders. Along with that you should also seriously consider buying an ergonomically designed chair with adjustable height. Adjust the height of the chair to make sure your elbows and knees are always close to 90 degree angle. Lastly make sure your back is straight whenever you sit for long hours.