Computer Ergonomics

Almost all types of cumulative stress involve some combination of poor posture or postural stress, excessive amounts of force and repetitious motion.

Work that requires people to either hold prolonged fixed positions (computer worker) or awkward, stressful positions (auto mechanics) can generate a significant amount of biomechanical stress in the joints and soft tissues of the upper extremities. Postural stress usually results from overloading specific muscle groups, from uneven weight bearing stress of joints or from assuming positions that require prolonged muscular contractions to hold a joint or joints still over a long period of time.

Exerting muscular force without adequate recovery time is another major contributor to the development of cumulative stress injuries. Some types of work require prolonged contraction of certain muscle groups, which reduces blood flow resulting in fatigue. Muscles do not work efficiently under these conditions and without adequate recovery time will result in injury and possibly long term disability.

Highly repetitious movements of specific joints also contribute to cumulative stress syndrome. High frequency movements demand faster and stronger contractions of the muscles. Joints and muscles that are required to work in these conditions require more recovery time. Without adequate recovery time injury of the joints, muscles and tendons can occur.

All of the factors listed above should be taken into consideration when designing or evaluating an existing work area and / or work duties.

One of the best things that you can do to combat cumulative stress is taking frequent breaks, rotating job duties and getting much needed rest. All of these simple safe guards will help in keeping you healthier and more productive through the course of your work life.

Here’s To Your Health

Dr. Jones
(619) 280-0554 San Diego
Economical Adjustable Mouse Platform

San Diego Chiropractic

Pain Relief San Diego Chiropractor

Ergonomic Forum Ergonomic Mouse Pad

Ergonomics is big business these days. A quick look at any web site that sells ergonomic office products will have you astonished by how many products are available and how expensive they can be. It seems as though there is a product out there for nearly any workstation improvement that you can think of.

I invented and manufacture a product called the Ergo Nav. It is a chair mounted ergonomic mouse platform that is intended to keep you from having to lurch over your desk to reach your mouse. I will be the first to tell you that buying my product will only provide minimal benefit if you don’t also have your keyboard situation sorted out, or if your monitor is not positioned correctly or if your chair does not properly support your back.

Most of our issues with ergonomics involve poor posture. Poor posture is a learned behavior that can and does affect us regardless of whether or not our work stations are riddled with the latest ergonomic contraptions. That being said, when ergonomic devices are present, they can help us better control our posture by not forcing us into posturally stressful positions.

For example, my Ergo Nav positions your mouse relatively close to your body which makes leaning forward for your mouse unnecessary. However, without being consciously aware of your posture, even with my Ergo Nav properly attached, you can still work with a slumped posture or if your monitor is not positioned correctly you can expose your neck to loads of postural stress.

My point is this. Ergonomic things won’t eliminate postural stress on their own. Reduction of postural stress requires a conscious effort on your part. Remember that the next time you are considering spending hundreds of dollars on that keyboard tray.

Here’s To Your Health

Dr. Jones
(619) 280-0554 San Diego
Economical Adjustable Mouse Platform

San Diego Chiropractic

Pain Relief San Diego Chiropractor

Ergonomic Blog