Computer Work & Headaches
One of the more common stress related conditions that we see in my Chiropractic / Wellness center is headaches. As with many injuries that I see in my office, poor ergonomics is a major contributing factor with headaches. While there are many different work related factors that contribute to the development of headaches, I will address the four most common instigators in this post.
The most obvious type of stress that contributes to the onset of headaches is postural stress. A poorly designed computer work station causes the PC operator to keep their neck in flexion, extension or rotation for extended periods of time.
These prolonged fixed positions are due in part to the computer monitor sitting too low, too high or un-centered relative the level of the operator’s eyes. Prolonged fixed positions of the neck causes muscle tension in the neck and can easily trigger the development of a muscle tension headache.
In order to relieve this stress, make sure that your monitor sits directly in front of you and that the top 1/3 of your monitors viewing area is level with your eyes when you are gazing straight forward.
Another important contributing factor in the development of headaches is dehydration. Statistics indicate that upwards of 75% of us suffer some level of dehydration. Statistics also indicate that we tend to consume less water while we are at work. This is a straight forward problem.
Considering that dehydration causes headaches and as a population we tend to run on the dehydrated side and we tend to drink less water while at work, you can see how this is a perfect formula for the development of a headache.
Improper positioning of either your keyboard or mouse can also cause muscular strain leading to the formation of a headache. If your keyboard or mouse is positioned in a way that causes your elbows to be extended beyond 99 degrees, you are over-stressing your shoulders and neck. On-going stress of the muscles in the shoulders and neck will result in muscle tension headaches.
One last headache instigator that we will discuss here is related to lighting of your work space. Ideally, lighting should come directly from your left and right sides and overhead. This lighting set-up prevents shadows in your work space and reflections off of your monitor. Eye strain and fatigue are major contributors to headaches and must be addressed. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain which often leads to muscle tension headaches.
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