| itive stress injuries have been around for some | | | | keyboard puts strain on your neck, shoulders and |
| time but have really come into there own with | | | | back. Strain is never a good thing – |
| the dawn of the technology age or computer age. | | | | that’s why this injury is also referred to |
| It's been the computer age for awhile now, and | | | | repetitive strain injury as well. Make it a point and |
| that's why words like "repetitive stress injury" and | | | | a habit to make yourself to sit up |
| "carpal tunnel syndrome" are a part of our | | | | straight… relax your muscles instead of |
| everyday lexicon now. | | | | being tense. Also be sure to sit with your feet on |
| Many families use a computer at least for some | | | | the floor, not curled up underneath you. |
| reason every day. This could be for work, for | | | | This type of stress and strain can even be |
| school homework, checking e-mail, surfing the | | | | brought on by typing with too much pressure in |
| Internet, instant messaging with friends or playing | | | | the hands - how many times have you heard |
| computer games. From the very young to the | | | | someone or caught yourself pounding the keys as |
| not so young person, people's lives are impacted | | | | they type on their computer keyboard. Although |
| by computers every day. And as a consequence, | | | | this is not initially harmful to the body, remember |
| the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries caused | | | | this is a repetitive injury; over time this too will |
| by hours in front of those computer keyboards | | | | take its toll. Computer Keyboards don’t |
| also has increased. | | | | require a finger pounding in order to transfer your |
| Prevention rather than treatment is the key. If | | | | thoughts to the screen. |
| you know you'll be spending time on a computer | | | | Taking frequent breaks from your computer is an |
| for work or play each day, there are some things | | | | important key. Get up, move around, stretch, rolls |
| you should know about carpal tunnel syndrome | | | | your shoulders, circulate your blood through your |
| and other repetitive stress injuries caused by our | | | | muscles and tissues. Not only does this help nip |
| extensive time in front of the computer screen. | | | | any repetitive stress injuries in the bud, but you're |
| When we use a computer, especially the mouse, | | | | also helping to prevent blood clots in your legs and |
| repetitively, we risk injuring the small tunnel that is | | | | eye strain from staring at the bright computer |
| formed by the bones and ligaments in your wrists | | | | screen too long. |
| (hence carpal tunnel). This tunnel serves as | | | | If your job or schoolwork demands you spend a |
| protection for the nerves that send messages | | | | lot of time at the computer, get in the habit of |
| between your brain and your hand. When this | | | | being mindful how long you’ve been |
| area is inflamed or injured because of too mouse | | | | working with getting up and moving around a bit. |
| and or keyboard activity, you can experience | | | | If necessary set reminders for yourself… |
| some level of pain, even advancing to tingling and | | | | whatever it takes just take short but frequent |
| perhaps even numbness. | | | | breaks. |
| Although for most of us that work at the | | | | Also, think ergonomics. There are tons of |
| computer It's not likely we can give up our | | | | companies that sell ergonomic keyboards, arm |
| computer time altogether. But there are ways to | | | | and keyboard trays, mice, chairs and even entire |
| help lessen your likelihood of developing the painful | | | | ergonomic workstations. It's worth some research |
| symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. | | | | and perhaps some purchases to protect yourself. |
| The first defense against computer related | | | | Think of it as preventive medicine. It's likely |
| repetitive stress injury is being mindful of your | | | | cheaper to purchase the products to protect |
| posture… well… not just | | | | yourself from repetitive stress injuries than it |
| mindful… do something about it if it | | | | would be later (in time and money) if you push |
| isn’t so good. Sit up straight so you keep | | | | your body too far and cause it injury. Take care |
| your bones and muscles properly aligned and | | | | of yourself before the warning signs and |
| strengthened. | | | | symptoms begin bubbling to the top. |
| Slouching or crouching over your computer's | | | | |