Dangers of Long-Term Computer Usage
Arguably the most well-known and noted types of injury resulting from long-term computer use are repetitive stress injuries or RSIs, specifically Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Associated with the repetitive movements of typing and mouse use, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a severe and debilitating form of RSI in which the median nerve of the wrist is squeezed by tendon inflammation as it runs into the hand. Tendonitis and tenosynovitis are both precursors to this injury.Irritation of the joints and tendons of the wrists and hands can also result in ganglion cysts. Ganglion cysts are lumps within the wrist and hand that occur adjacent to tendons or joints that have been irritated by repetitive stress or changes in routine movements. They commonly form on the top of the wrist, at the base of the finger on the palm side, on the palm side of the wrist, and at the top of the finger’s end joint.
Bad posture is common when working on the computer and can cause and exacerbate irritation and injury in the neck, shoulders and back, resulting in chronic pain.
Working on the computer for extended periods of time can also result in eyestrain. Focusing on the glaringly lit computer screen without resting your eyes periodically can result in blurred vision, temporary lack of focus, and even the potential for glaucoma later in life.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who uses a computer extensively, whether for work, study or recreation, is at risk for these injuries. In addition to office workers of various types, accountants and finance workers, writers and publishers, bloggers, owners of home-based businesses and students are also vulnerable to these dangers.
Preventing Workspace Injuries
The best way to treat workspace injuries is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Proper computer set-up is the key, with special attention paid to the positioning of the computer’s monitor, keyboard and mouse, and adjusting your chair to facilitate good posture.
Many computer-related injuries are the result of sitting for extended periods of time. Simply getting up and moving around every ten minutes or so will stretch your muscles and increase blood circulation. Stretching can also relieve tension in your muscles, tendons and ligaments, and decrease the irritation to the joints and nerves.
There are many specialist health and safety companies that offer training and educational programs specifically geared toward workspace injuries and their prevention. Taking one of their many health and safety courses in workspace injury prevention and safety is an ideal way to prevent you own personal injuries and make your workspace more comfortable and functional.
