Figuring out what is the root cause of a Repetitive Stress Trauma
is of the utmost importance. Once you have figured out what the source of that stress is, you have figure out a solution. I provide treatment for many people who simply don’t see the importance in controlling the stress that they impose upon themselves. Many of them are of the opinion that if they get some treatment that the aches and pains will go away. For a small percentage of people, this is true. For most however, resolution of the symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Trauma involves formal treatment with an experienced clinician as well as reducing the physical stress that their work environment imposes upon them.
You have to look at it this way, if you work in a physically stressful environment for 40 hours per week and receive therapy 3 times weekly with each session lasting 30 minutes, you are attempting to counter 40 hours of repetitive stress with 1 ½ hours of therapy. This formula will not work for most people. Treatment must include workstation modifications.
I have taken the liberty of outlining some basic rules of setting up an ergonomically friendly computer workstation below. Trying to come close to these recommendations will go a long way in reducing your work stress.
1) Placing the input device directly in your immediate reach zone offers natural comfort and maximum hand-eye coordination. The use of a platform for the mouse is preferable.
2) Your chair should have arm rests that are adjustable.
3) Your wrist should be either in a neutral position or flexed slightly downward when operating both your mouse and your keyboard. For this reason, if you select a mouse platform that attaches to your chair, adjustability of the platform is of primary importance.
4) Consider using a high quality office chair with adjustable armrests and lumbar supports. It should also allow some degree of recline. The angle of your hips should be open to about 115 degrees.
5) Make sure that the upper arm and elbow are as close to the body and as relaxed as possible for keyboard and mouse use - avoid overreaching.
6) Hold the mouse lightly, don't grip it hard or squeeze it. Place the pointing device where you don't have to reach up or over very far to use it. The closer you can place it to your body the better.
7) Your monitor should be directly in front of you and the upper 1/3 of it should be at eye level.
More soon.
Doc
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
