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

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Cumulative Trauma or CTDs is a wear and tear of the bony and soft tissue components of a joint because of overuse. In my San Diego based chiropractic clinic, I treat people on a daily basis who suffer from CTDs. CTDs can result from poor lifting habits, straining the neck, long hours of light force repetition without adequate rest time, awkward reaching, etc.

The irritation that results in Cumulative Trauma disorders accumulates over time, eventually resulting in a breakdown of the involved joint or joints and its muscles and ligaments. Symptoms from CTDs include soreness, pain, restricted range of motion, numbness, cracking noises in joints, weakness and clumsiness.

The potential end result of cumulative trauma disorders can be hand pain, wrist pain, neck pain, back pain, elbow pain, shoulder pain and leg pain.

What is the best cure for CTDs? Prevention. Application of good ergonomic principles to your work environment as well as tasks that you undertake outside of work is vital. A CTD may takes years to start causing symptoms and can also take a prolonged period of care to resolve. CTDs that go untreated can potentially cause permanent disability or symptoms that never completely resolve.

CTDs are serious and should be treated that way.

Here’s To Your Health

Dr. Jones

San Diego Chiropractic Center
Pain Relief San Diego Chiropractor Blog