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Most Common Ailments Associated With Computers

Working in front of monitors might not carry the same high risks for injury that physical labor jobs have, but computer operators cannot consider themselves safe from harm in their offices. Injuries and ailments associated with computer related work can be painful, and are usually due to faulty or unsuitable equipment.

  1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    • Repetitive movements over long periods can lead to the compression of the median, a major nerve that passes over the wrist and into the hand. The result is a sensation of weakness, tingling, numbness and burning, followed by a sharp pain. The disorder is called carpal tunnel syndrome and can be caused by constant work on keyboards and with computer mouses. Ergonomically designed equipment, including wrist supports, keyboard trays and track balls can help prevent the strain on the nerves. Other suggested preventative measures are regular wrist exercises and short breaks. carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with hot and cold compresses, splints and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgical procedures are applied that remove or move the ligament that is pressing on the nerve and causing the pain.

    Computer Eye Strain

    • Prolonged staring at computer screens can lead to sore eyes, headaches and blurred vision. The result is called computer eyestrain and even though it does not lead to long term health consequences, it can have a negative impact on the affected person's overall well being and productivity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued some suggestions to prevent computer eyestrain at the workplace. Proposed measures are to keep the light level from artificial and sunlight low, and not to place workers too close to the monitor. Other suggested preventative methods are regular breaks and blinking.

    Tendon Disorders

    • Tendons are the tissues that connect the muscles to the bones. These fibers can become inflamed due to repetitive strain which can result in tennis elbows and cysts. Tendon disorders are mainly the result of consistent poor posture by, among others, computer operators, and result in pain, swelling and difficulty moving affected joints. Suggested treatment is usually administered by non-inflammatory drugs, massage and physiotherapy. To avoid tendon disorders, computer chairs and tables should be adjustable to the needs of individual users and assist them in keeping an appropriate posture. Other prevention methods are regular stretching exercises of the upper body muscles of regular computer users.

    Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems

    • Prolonged sitting in front of a computer often results in aches in the lower back, also called the lumbar region. Backaches are usually the result of office chairs that to not support the lumbar region and force the muscles to work harder. Once the offending chair is replaced, the back aches will disappear. Neck and shoulder problems occur when the chair is set too low, or when the computer screen is placed too high, forcing the operator to bend the head backwards in order to get a proper view of the monitor. To avoid neck and shoulder problems, the computer user simply has to adjust the chair upwards until the monitor is at or below the eye level.

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