Computer and Health Risks

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)


  Injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints
• Computer-related RSIs

  • Tendonitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
• RSIs are the largest job-related injury and illness problem in the United States today
• Tendonitis


  Inflammation of a tendon due to some repeated motion or stress on that tendon
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)


  Inflammation of the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm of the wrist
• Repeated or forceful bending of the wrist

  Can cause CTS or tendonitis of the wrist
• Long-term computer work


  Can lead to tendonitis or CTS
• Computer vision syndrome (CVS)


  Health-related condition due to computer usage
• Eyestrain associated with CVS is not thought to have serious or long-term consequences
• Lower back pain


  Sometimes caused from poor posture
• Always sit properly in the chair while you work
• Ergonomics


  An applied science devoted to incorporating comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of items in the workplace
• Ergonomic studies have shown that using the correct type and configuration of chair, keyboard, display device, and work surface helps users work comfortably and efficiently and helps protect their health
• For the computer work space, experts recommend an area of at least two feet by four feet