Laptops & Backache ?

Laptops make us more mobile but they're blamed for a rise in back, neck and shoulder problems.

Almost 215,000 workers suffer from upper limb disorders (ULDs), also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), according to the 2008/9 Labour Force Survey. The increased popularity of laptops may be adding to the problem.
Laptop computers were once used mainly by busy business people who had to work on planes or trains, but not any more.
Thanks to low prices, the rise in home working and wireless internet access, laptops are everywhere. In 2005, laptops outsold desktop computers for the first time ever.
About 8% of the workforce are teleworkers (working from other locations, using the home as a base or working from home). This figure is expected to rise.
The Health and Safety Executive’s 2006 Horizon Scanning paper reports that by 2015, 70-80% of workers could be, at least partially, working away from the office.
“I've seen many people with neck, back and shoulder problems caused by excessive laptop use,” says Tim Hutchful, a British Chiropractic Association-registered chiropractor.

Posture Advice

Bad posture is inevitable because of the way laptops are designed, says Levent Caglar, senior consultant ergonomist at the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).
“The main problem is the keyboard being attached to the screen,” he says.
“You need the screen at arm's length but you need the keyboard near you, so you push the laptop further back, then your hands stretch out, then you hunch your shoulders.
"That creates bad posture. If I were designing a laptop, I’d do it with a detachable screen.
“The average human head weighs quite a lot. If it’s in the ideal position, balanced above the shoulders, it’s fine.
“But when you use a laptop, your ears are further forward than your shoulders. That’s like taking a weight and holding it out at arm's length.
“The load through your spine is much greater and, even worse, it’s a static load. You’re not moving. This causes neck, upper back and arm problems."
Tim says that laptops are fine when used properly. "There are plenty of ways you can make your laptop safer and more comfortable,” he says.

Laptop Use Tips

Use a separate keyboard and mouse so that the laptop can be put on a stand and the screen opened at eye level.

• Use your laptop on a stable base where there is support for your arms, and not on your lap.
• Take regular breaks. If you’re moving, there’s a lot less stress on your muscles and joints.
• Adopt good sitting posture with lower back support, and ensure that other desk equipment is within reach.
• Get into good habits before the aching starts. Neck, shoulder and back problems gradually build up over time.

Back Pain At Work

Back pain is the second most common cause of long-term sickness in the UK after stress.
About 9.3 million working days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders in 2008/09.
The most common causes of back pain are strained muscles or ligaments, wear and tear, bad posture and stress.
Most of us will have back pain at some point in our lives. Although painful, back pain isn't serious in most cases. The pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It usually clears up after about six weeks.

Treating back pain

In general, the best treatment is to stay active and, if necessary, use over-the-counter painkillers. You may feel like going to bed, but this won’t help and could make it worse.
The longer you're immobile, the weaker your back muscles will become, and the more they will hurt in the long term.
The best ways to deal with pain and help your back to recover are to maintain your mobility, based on your usual activities, and return to work as soon as possible.
Any exercise that strengthens your legs, back and stomach will help to keep your back healthy. Read exercises for back pain for more information.

At your desk

Sitting badly in front of a computer for hours on end is storing up trouble. The body can tolerate being in one position for only a short period of time before you feel the need to adjust.
Workstation factors that can affect your back include:

• seating posture
• computer screen position
• chair height
• keyboard position
• mouse position
• desk equipment layout

If you work in an office and use a computer, you can avoid injury by sitting in the right position and arranging your desk correctly. Get tips on how to sit correctly.
If you're not sure about your seating position and workstation, ask your manager to arrange a workplace assessment for you.
Good posture when sitting at a desk can help prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI), which is a cause of back pain. Sit up straight and make sure that your lower back is supported.

Adjusting your chair

By law, workstation chairs must be stable. The standard office chair has five legs in a star shape.
The seat height must be adjustable, and the back rest must be adjustable in height and tilt. Ideally, the back rest should move independently of the seat to allow for a more comfortable position.
When you’re sitting, your thighs should be at right-angles to your body or sloping slightly down.
If your chair is properly adjusted, your feet should be firmly on the floor, but if it’s more comfortable, use a footrest. The basic rule is to plant your feet on the floor and support your back.


Take regular breaks

Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as is practicable.
Frequent short breaks are better for your back than fewer long ones. It gives the muscles a chance to relax while others take the strain. This can prevent you from becoming stiff and tense.
Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. getting a drink, going for some fresh air, filing or photocopying.

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