subject: Chiropractors In San Diego Reveal How Some Computer Use Can Cause Back Pain. [print this page] Computers sure are great, aren't they? You can research the absolute cheapest price on a new iPod, take a virtual tour of a resort halfway across the country or keep in touch with distant relatives all with the click of a button. The power of computers is only getting greater and greater. And the more powerful they get, they more time we spend using them, for work and for fun. I mean, is there really any place in your life you don't use a computer in some way?
While PC's can make renewing over library books or filling your taxes a breeze, there is one big drawback. Unfortunately, our bodies were not designed to sit in a chair with our hands propped up while we stare at a glowing screen. Prolonged time at the keyboard can give rise to some rather nasty ailments and injuries.
Low back pain is a very common ailment that occurs from computer use. Using the wrong type of chair at the computer is usually the culprit here - either that or not taking the time to properly adjust it. If you have poor posture when sitting this can also create an uneven distribution of weight on your spine, which leads to pain. Another cause is an improperly configured desk setup. For example, do you find yourself leaning and stretching unnecessarily as you work?
Do you find yourself repeatedly looking up and down referencing a document when you're at the computer? If so this may be the cause of your pain. Shoulder and neck pain can be another problem. Another killer when it comes to shoulder and neck pain is using a phone wedged into the side of your neck. Spend the couple of bucks on a hands-free headset - its well worth it!
If you specifically suffer from knee pain, it's usually caused by sitting in a chair that is too high, which leaves your feet dangling and unsupported. How about hurting knees and buttocks? Believe it or not, the most common cause here is just sitting on your butt way too long! Your body doesn't like that. Poor lumbar support can make the problem even worse.
The position of your mouse and computer chair also plays a critical factor. Monitor glare is the enemy for eye strain. Whether it's artificial light or sunlight being reflected off your monitor screen, glare can cause some serious pain. Try rearranging your workspace if you regularly experience eye strain. Where do you rest your wrists when you type? Resting your wrists on a hard or uncomfortable edge can definitely be the cause of hand pain.
So how do you overcome PC pain? One of the simplest and best tricks is to just take regular breaks. Sounds easy, but it works like a charm. Let's face it - when most of us get sucked into our computers we don't pay any attention how our body feels. Take a little stretch or stroll and peel your eyes off the pixels. It doesn't have to be a long break - five minutes every hour should work wonders.
During your next visit to your chiropractor, be sure to let them know if you find yourself experiencing any of the computer related pain we spoke about in this article. Even if it's not serious pain, by letting your spine doctor know about it, they can make sure it never gets serious and causes more problems. As you are probably already aware, chiropractic isn't just about relieving the pain you have now. It's about eliminating any of your future pain too!
