Ergonomic Science
Ergonomics is the science that studies how to make the user have the best experience when using the computer. It is so you can study and change the computer workplace so it is more comfortable for the user.
From poor computing work you can get a carpet tunnel syndrome. Capet tunnel syndrome is the pinching of the median nerve at the wrist. The treatment is to modify the way you use your hands while working. If that doesn’t work try injecting the syndrome with steroid medication. The second health problem is wrist tendonitis. Wrist tendonitis is the irritation of the tendon that crosses the wrist. Treatments include a brief period of anti-inflammatory agent, or use ice if it isn’t so serious. The third health problem is Lateral or Medial Epicondylitis. Lateral or Medial Epicondylitis is the irritation at the elbows. To treat this you should put on a tennis elbow band. If worse try using anti-inflammatory agent. The fourth health problem is Ulnar Nero therapy at the elbows. Ulnar Nero therapy at the elbows is the numbness and pain in small finger and side of wrists. To treat this you should use elbow splint at night, and a pad around the elbow during the day. The fifth health problem is Trapezius Myalgia. Trapezius Myalgia is the pain that occurs in the Trapezius muscle. To treat this you should find the aggravating factors and try to eliminate them, use a sheet of ice bag, and or use anti-inflammatory agents.
For the keyboard and mouse use a keyboard and mouse trey. This way you can slide the keyboard and mouse closer and further away from you. You can put the mouse closer to your keyboard. Put your monitor in the center. Adjust the chair height to your liking. Don’t put your documents flat on the desk; put them at your eye level. Light should be low and glare free. Use right type of phone for the job. If you get calls frequently then use a cordless phone. Use a fixed height desk.
The computer work area at my house is not very ergonomic. My computer desk is too low, so whenever I use the computer I have to look down. To fix this I need to make my desk taller. Another problem I have is that, I don’t have a document holder, so I have to keep looking down when I have to copy. To fix this I have to get a document holder, so the document is eye level.
Mobile Agronomics:
· Laptops: Some of the other key egronomic problems for laptops are that laptops have their monitors and keyboard attached so you can’t adjust the monitor or the keyboard to what comforts you. To solve this you can get a separate keyboard and attach it to your computer. The keys on a laptop keyboard are smaller than those of a desktop computer, so you fingers might start to hurt after a while. Another problem is that the screen is smaller on a laptop to you put strain in your eyes trying to see. Also laptops are used in cramped places, so you are most likely in an awkward position when using it. The solution is to use the laptop in an open space. Laptop bases get hot. You have to buy a separate cooler.
· Cell Phones: Some of the other key ergonomic problems for cell phones are that you have to use cell phones very often, this can lead to stress and discomfort. To solve this you should use a hands free head set so you don’t put stress on your ear or neck. The keys on a phone are smaller, so after a while of dialing your fingers can hurt. Best solution is to save the number on your phone for easy access. To best avoid these problems don’t use your cell phone that often.
· PDAs: You main interaction with the PDA is going to be with the screen to choose the right screen size. Check out the PDAs black light before buying and buy the one you prefer. Buy a PDA with jog wheels if you are reading for a long time.
For Kids:
· Computers: Get small mice for smaller hands. Get foot rests for dangling little feet. Tailor the workplace with the kids’ pint-sized frames to keep the kids safe. Keep monitors eye level to your kids. Use adjustable chairs. Lastly, don’t let your kids be on the computer too long.
· Gaming: Don’t play video games for long periods of time. Take breaks to relax your eyes and hands. Hold the controller lightly so you don’t hurt your hand. Change positions to comfort the body.
· Mobile Devices: Some of the other key ergonomic problems for cell phones are that you have to use cell phones very often, this can lead to stress and discomfort. To solve this you should use a hands free head set so you don’t put stress on your ear or neck. The keys on a phone are smaller, so after a while of dialing your fingers can hurt. Best solution is to save the number on your phone for easy access. To best avoid these problems don’t use your cell phone that often.
This page also has the list of injuries you can get when you don't follow ergonomics. If you already have an injury, this page also has the medication you should take. What I have learned about ergonomics is that it is very important, because if you don't follow it then you can get an injury that has a possibility of growing if not treated properly. Most people spend about 5-6 hours on the computer everyday. If the ergonomics isn't right, then those people have a high change of getting the injuries mentioned above. To be safe and to enjoy our workplace, we should all use ergonomics. Below this I have some Ergonomic devices that will definitely make you feel more comfortable. These devices are specially made to let the user have the best experience when using the work place. If you follow the tips above you are 100 % guaranteed to feel much more comfortable when using your computer workplace.
From poor computing work you can get a carpet tunnel syndrome. Capet tunnel syndrome is the pinching of the median nerve at the wrist. The treatment is to modify the way you use your hands while working. If that doesn’t work try injecting the syndrome with steroid medication. The second health problem is wrist tendonitis. Wrist tendonitis is the irritation of the tendon that crosses the wrist. Treatments include a brief period of anti-inflammatory agent, or use ice if it isn’t so serious. The third health problem is Lateral or Medial Epicondylitis. Lateral or Medial Epicondylitis is the irritation at the elbows. To treat this you should put on a tennis elbow band. If worse try using anti-inflammatory agent. The fourth health problem is Ulnar Nero therapy at the elbows. Ulnar Nero therapy at the elbows is the numbness and pain in small finger and side of wrists. To treat this you should use elbow splint at night, and a pad around the elbow during the day. The fifth health problem is Trapezius Myalgia. Trapezius Myalgia is the pain that occurs in the Trapezius muscle. To treat this you should find the aggravating factors and try to eliminate them, use a sheet of ice bag, and or use anti-inflammatory agents.
For the keyboard and mouse use a keyboard and mouse trey. This way you can slide the keyboard and mouse closer and further away from you. You can put the mouse closer to your keyboard. Put your monitor in the center. Adjust the chair height to your liking. Don’t put your documents flat on the desk; put them at your eye level. Light should be low and glare free. Use right type of phone for the job. If you get calls frequently then use a cordless phone. Use a fixed height desk.
The computer work area at my house is not very ergonomic. My computer desk is too low, so whenever I use the computer I have to look down. To fix this I need to make my desk taller. Another problem I have is that, I don’t have a document holder, so I have to keep looking down when I have to copy. To fix this I have to get a document holder, so the document is eye level.
Mobile Agronomics:
· Laptops: Some of the other key egronomic problems for laptops are that laptops have their monitors and keyboard attached so you can’t adjust the monitor or the keyboard to what comforts you. To solve this you can get a separate keyboard and attach it to your computer. The keys on a laptop keyboard are smaller than those of a desktop computer, so you fingers might start to hurt after a while. Another problem is that the screen is smaller on a laptop to you put strain in your eyes trying to see. Also laptops are used in cramped places, so you are most likely in an awkward position when using it. The solution is to use the laptop in an open space. Laptop bases get hot. You have to buy a separate cooler.
· Cell Phones: Some of the other key ergonomic problems for cell phones are that you have to use cell phones very often, this can lead to stress and discomfort. To solve this you should use a hands free head set so you don’t put stress on your ear or neck. The keys on a phone are smaller, so after a while of dialing your fingers can hurt. Best solution is to save the number on your phone for easy access. To best avoid these problems don’t use your cell phone that often.
· PDAs: You main interaction with the PDA is going to be with the screen to choose the right screen size. Check out the PDAs black light before buying and buy the one you prefer. Buy a PDA with jog wheels if you are reading for a long time.
For Kids:
· Computers: Get small mice for smaller hands. Get foot rests for dangling little feet. Tailor the workplace with the kids’ pint-sized frames to keep the kids safe. Keep monitors eye level to your kids. Use adjustable chairs. Lastly, don’t let your kids be on the computer too long.
· Gaming: Don’t play video games for long periods of time. Take breaks to relax your eyes and hands. Hold the controller lightly so you don’t hurt your hand. Change positions to comfort the body.
· Mobile Devices: Some of the other key ergonomic problems for cell phones are that you have to use cell phones very often, this can lead to stress and discomfort. To solve this you should use a hands free head set so you don’t put stress on your ear or neck. The keys on a phone are smaller, so after a while of dialing your fingers can hurt. Best solution is to save the number on your phone for easy access. To best avoid these problems don’t use your cell phone that often.
This page also has the list of injuries you can get when you don't follow ergonomics. If you already have an injury, this page also has the medication you should take. What I have learned about ergonomics is that it is very important, because if you don't follow it then you can get an injury that has a possibility of growing if not treated properly. Most people spend about 5-6 hours on the computer everyday. If the ergonomics isn't right, then those people have a high change of getting the injuries mentioned above. To be safe and to enjoy our workplace, we should all use ergonomics. Below this I have some Ergonomic devices that will definitely make you feel more comfortable. These devices are specially made to let the user have the best experience when using the work place. If you follow the tips above you are 100 % guaranteed to feel much more comfortable when using your computer workplace.
Maxim Split Adjustable Keyboard
The Maxim adjustable keyboard offers a more flexible, more comfortable design than regular keyboards. Price: $145.00
Savant Elite Triple Action Foot Switch
The Savant Elite family of programmable USB foot switches are available in single, dual, and triple foot switch configurations. They maximize your productivity while relieving your hands and arms. Price:$155.00
Under Monitor Mount Inline Document Holder
The Vu Ryte Under Monitor Mount Document Holder is the only document station in the world subjected to quantitative ergonomic research. Price: $57.50
Adjustable Foot Rest
This foot rest is lockable (using the red knob on the side of the unit). Price: $45.00