Computer fist: The most common occupational disease of the 21st century

Before you start reading this article, make a little test. Turn your palms to each other without any pressure bend them as much as you can. If after 60 seconds you feel a tingling, very likely  you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Regardless of whether you 'passed' or 'failed' the test, relax and read on.

In general the contribution of new technology is invaluable. However, no matter how technology has helped mankind in general, man as an individual brings many problems. An obvious example is the increase in injuries caused by prolonged, forced and inappropriate postures and movements in working with computers, without which today, in the century information technology, can not imagine any human activity. All those who in their work, education or leisure use a computer, are subject to injuries of the spine and arm. It can be very serious and painful condition that is much more easier to prevent than cure and that is happening to young, mostly healthy people, leading to significantly disturb the functions of daily living. Statistics show that of all injuries at work 62 percent of injuries are caused by constant and repetitive actions, of which 7.5 percent was related to typing, moving the mouse, and similar activities. The increase of such injuries in the last ten years has growth of a thousand percent and it is not surprising that diseases that are caused by work on the computer called plague 21st century.

25 tons per work day

It was determined that when working with a computer every move of the head forward by 1 inch doubles the pressure on the cervical spine and neck muscles, and after only four hours of work with the mouse significantly weakens muscle strength and mobility of the hand. The first symptoms usually manifest as pain and stiffness of the neck and shoulders tension in the head and neck pain and tingling in hands, pain in the back and legs. As a result of repetitive movements, involuntary placement and use of force resulting overuse syndromes. Overuse syndrome caused by work on the computer, also called cumulative disease or repetitive strain injury. The most common form by working on the keyboard and the mouse is the Carpal tunnel syndrome, or computer fist.

The disease is caused by excessive and cumulative use because, for example, when entering data in one hour period, so about 12 000 hits of a button, and pushing up during one day use the force of 25 tons. Also, it is known that the four-operation with the mouse causes loss of grip strength and range of various movements in the the wrist from 18 to 60 percent. Substantial risk of developing the disease is a permanent position forced the wrist, which is curved upwards and sideways.

Taking all this into consideration, the most important is prevention, and experts often advise to adapt work equipment to each individual. Desk or work surface height should be 25-28 inches, and since the height of the table is usually fixed, it is recommended that the distance of the upper surface of the floor is about 27 inches. Working chair must be of good quality, stable, with five wheel adaptable to individual employee with the possibility of adjusting the seat height and backrest. To provide proper support for the spine, the backrest should be adjustable in height and according to the back should support the entire back and be curved in the lumbar spine area. Armrests should be adjustable, height not only to reach the level of the table, both hands must support and not make it difficult to move them. Sitting area of ​​the chair should be slightly indented and rounded front edge that would not restrict circulation in the the legs. Seat height should be adjustable in height, to bend the knee slightly above the seat and the entire foot has to be on the ground.

Avoid injuries:

1st

Reduce the time working on computer

2nd

Adjust your work space: the monitor should be in front of the face, and its top edge at eye level.

3rd

Sit up straight by relying on the chair

4th

Follow the rules that you should never rely the wrist on the table

5th

Every 60 minutes to do a short break

6th

In yours spare time do sports activities

7th

It is mandatory to do certain exercises for the arms, neck and shoulders

8th

While working on the computer do stretching exercises

9th

Immediately stop working with your computer if you experience pain in the arm, shoulder or neck

10th

Whenever possible, work with the mouse should be replaced with the keyboard