What Makes Laptops a Contributing Factor for Computer Injuries?

Laptops offer many advantages over desktop computers. They are portable and require little storage space. Also, today it’s possible to purchase a powerful laptop computer at a reasonable price. Portability and small size come at a prize though: because keyboard and display are close together, you are forced to work in an awkward position.

If you place the laptop so that you can type in a comfortable position, you are forced crane your neck and hunch your shoulders in order to see the text on the display. Similarly, if you position the laptop at the right height for your eyes, you have to raise your shoulders and arms in an awkward position to be able to type and handle the mouse or touch pad.

Other Contributing Factors

Originally laptop computers were meant to be used for short periods of time. Today, though, laptops are increasingly used for long periods of time for multitudes of tasks. Besides working, laptops are used for searching data, studying, gaming, surfing the Internet, paying bills, online shopping, watching movies and social networking. Laptops are also used in a wide variety of situations and settings:: at home, at schools and libraries, in a car or plane or reclining in sofa or bed.

When time spent at a computer is added to time spent sitting in front of TV or other sedentary activities, posture problems like forward head and rounded shoulders develop to persistent musculoskeletal problems like neck and shoulder tensions, tension headaches and repetitive stress injuries. Our bodies are not given enough time to recover from the stress caused by prolonged immobility.

Tips to Reduce Laptop Related Problems

Most of the problems caused by laptop usage are relatively easy to prevent. Adhering to four simple rules goes a long way to prevent the most common problems encountered.

Take regular breaks – change your position or take a few steps once in 30 minutes If you use a laptop for extended periods of time – use a separate keyboard, mouse and display Check your neck posture – is your neck aligned with your shoulders? To avoid craning you neck close to the display, increase the font size

In addition, you should stretch your pectoral and trapezius muscles daily as a countermeasure to the hunched posture you are forced to adopt during the day. It is also advisable to purchase a few laptop accessories that help you adopt a better working posture.

By: S. Jalonen

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