Incorrect posture and work conditions can result in mild to severe pain, especially on the neck and shoulders. Whether one spends more time on a desktop PC, laptop or a tablet such as the iPad, doing it wrongly results in neck and shoulder pain.
The neck consists of tendons, muscles and only a few bones (cervical vertebrae) offering most of the structural support. The average adult head with no hair weighs around 4.5 to 5kgs constituting about 8% of the full body mass.
What Causes Pain From Computer Use?
Constant strain on specific muscles or tendons for prolonged periods puts pressure on muscles resulting in accelerated joint erosion and nerve entrapment.
Most computer and tablet users forget that even when seated, muscles are involved in maintaining posture. Using a tablet or computer wrongly will result in neck and shoulder pain and other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Computer ergonomics play an important role in preventing pain from computer use. For instance, gazing at a tablet or laptop on your laps when sited on a chair places more strain on your head, neck and shoulders than when the laptop or tablet are on top of a desk.
Tips To Prevent Neck And Shoulder Pain
Proper computer ergonomics ensure less stress to the body, increases productivity and reduces chances of injury. The following helps prevent neck and shoulder pain when using a computer or tablet.
How To Prevent Pain When Using Tablets
• Use a tablet stand or case with a prop up function. This will allow you to adjust the angle of your tablet to a comfortable viewing level.
• Every 15-20 minutes, take a break from your tablet, adjust your sitting angle or better yet, stand up and walk around. This will relieve strain on your neck and shoulder muscles and encourage blood flow to your limbs.
• Get an external keyboard and mouse, preferably wireless/Bluetooth as they allow you to sit comfortably and keep the tablet’s heat away from you.
Preventing Neck And Shoulder Pain When Using A Laptop Or Desktop Computer
Display: Reduce glare by positioning the display at a right angle to light sources. Place the center of the screen at 15 degrees downwards from your eyes without bending your neck a lot. Hold your head perpendicular to the floor.