COMPUTERS AND OUR HEALTH

COMPUTERS are a part of life these days. They play the role of teacher, postman, newspaper and television. The software industry provides jobs to many people. The work pattern of computer professionals carries a load of orthopaedic disorders. The chief complaint is constant pain in the upper limbs, neck, shoulders, back. 

Repetitive strain injury occurs when the movable parts of the limbs are injured. This usually happens in computer professionals, musicians, students and others who use their hands in a repetitive manner. 

Symptoms 


There may be constant pain in the hands, elbows, shoulders, neck and back. Other symptoms are cramps, tingling and numbness in the hands. Hand movements may become clumsy and the person may find it difficult to even to fasten buttons. 

Another variant may produce painful symptoms in the upper limbs but the site may be difficult to locate. 

The common diagnoses seen in this group are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tenosynovitis, Buristis, White Limb and Shoulder pain. The main cause of these problems is strain due to long unbroken periods of work. Ergonomics or the lack of it plays a very important role. Lack of information about the condition leads to neglect by the concerned individuals. 

Palliative measures 


People concerned should seek medical attention when early symptoms set in. Measures that can be adopted at an individual level include: 

Posture: The best posture to sit in front of a computer is semi-reclined with the forearms resting in a cradle or on an extension of the keyboard rest. The back should be supported. The hands should be free and point in the direction of the forearms. The feet should rest on the ground. The monitor should be 18 inches or more away and at a slightly lower level than eye level. 

Rest: Take breaks after 15 minutes and slightly longer ones after every hour. Plan your work like a long innings. Do not overload yourself. 

Hydration: Drink adequate fluids to keep the tendons and soft tissues soft. 

Shortcuts: Use keyboard shortcuts and less of the mouse. Touch the keyboard softly and do not pound at it. The wrist should rest on the table. 

Telephone use: Don't cradle the telephone between the face and shoulder while working as this can lead to neck strain. 

Messages: Do not use the computer when you can convey messages in person or through the intercom. 

No games: Games, surfing at work may increase stress on your hands. 

Organisations that use computers in a big way can also adopt certain preventive measures. These include 


Educating employees on the importance of adopting a proper posture; 

Using quality ergonomic furniture that will save loss of working hours by ensuring employee's comfort; 

Giving periodic reminders through lectures and audio-visual presentations by medical professionals. 
When symptoms set in, consult an orthopaedic surgeon. Do not make the diagnosis yourself. 

The diagnosis will be made from the history and clinical findings as there will be no changes in X-rays, since the soft tissues are involved. Nerve conduction studies can confirm the diagnosis. In cases detected earlier, attention to ergonomics will restore normalcy. 

In cases diagnosed late, orthopaedic treatment like injections and even minor surgery may be necessary.