Computer And Society

Top 10 Computer Related Health

Problems
1. Musculoskeletal Problems
• This includes areas of your body such as your back, neck, chest, arms, shoulders and feet.
• Having sore muscles and complaints of the muscles being tired are common.
• Numbness may occur in the arms and hands.
• These troubles may occur because the posture you assume when using the computer is most
likely incorrect.
• You may find that you are sitting in an uncomfortable chair, or that you have a workstation
that is not ergonomically correct for your body.
• Tips to Consider
• Find a correct height for both your desk and chair so that your computer screen is at eye level
or slightly lower.
• Sit with your back straight, legs at 90 degree angles to the floor, and feet resting flat on the
floor.
• ALWAYS take small breaks from your computer work to stretch your muscles, keep your
blood flowing, and to rest your eyes.
 Computer Related Health Problems
2. Vision Problems
• Computers are notorious for their bright lights, glare and flickering
images that can cause strain on your eyes.
• Finding that you constantly focusing on the screen with delays in
blinking can result in drying out your eyes.
• Tips to Consider
• Make sure to adjust the brightness on your computer screen so that your
eyes are not as strained. For example, if you are sitting in a
dark room your computer screen will most likely be very bright and
cause your eyes to strain, so to save your eyes you should lower the
brightness.
• Tilt your screen to decrease any glare.
• Maintain a proper vision distance from the screen, and do not forget to
blink
 Computer Related Health Problems
3. Repetitive Stress Injuries
• You may notice pain in your neck, shoulders, or really anywhere from the shoulders to your
fingers related to repetitive muscle use.
• Using the computer may cause you to use your muscles in an odd way that may cause
increased stiffness, pain, or swelling in any of those areas.
• One of the most common conditions related to repetitive use of your muscles when using the
computer is carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tips to Consider
• Place your mouse at a location next to the keyboard that will require you to move your whole
arm to get to it rather that just twisting your wrist outward to reach it and move it.
• Type gentle to decrease the stress put on each of your fingers.
• Keep your wrists flexible when typing; avoid keeping them fixed in a certain position;
keeping them flexible will avoid repetitive, strenuous stress.
• Relax your arms and try to get a few stretches in when you are not typing or using your
mouse.
 Computer Related Health Problems
4. Headaches
• Headaches are common and may occur because of the increased
muscle tension or from pain in the neck.
• Any vision problems, or continued strain on the eyes can also cause
headaches.
• Tips to Consider
• Attend regular eye exams in order to work toward correcting any
vision problems.
• Try your best to keep your neck straight in front of the computer and
take breaks.
 Computer Related Health Problems
5. Obesity
• Prolonged use of computers may lead to an overall sedentary lifestyle
that lacks adequate physical activity and/or exercise.
• In children prolonged use of computers, or electronics in general, is a
major contributing factor to obesity.
• Tips to Consider
• Set limits for your children when they are using electronics.
• Encourage outdoor play or a certain hobby that may take away time
spent using electronics in order to lead a more active lifestyle.
• As for adults, if your occupation requires computer use for up to 8
hours daily, you should not use a computer again when you get
home…you should take a break and try to squeeze in some exercise
until you go back to work.
 Computer Related Health Problems
6. Stress Disorders
• Technology impacts our behaviors and emotions.
• Prolonged use of computers may be accompanied by poor health and increased
pressure placed on you in your workplace environment, which could both lead
to stress.
• The longer your stress occurs and is left untreated, the greater your chances are
of contracting more serious health problems.
• Stress can lead to decreased attention span, lack of concentration, dizziness and
becoming easily burned out.
• Tips to Consider
• Promote your own health and prevent future health conditions or worsening the
ones you already have by seeking treatment options for any stress that you may
encounter.
• Try things from yoga, to natural remedies, to medications as prescribed by a
medical provider to combat your stress.
 Computer Related Health Problems
7. Laptop Use Injuries
• Laptop injuries fall into a category of their own; there is a growing use
of laptops that continues to cause more pain and strain among those
individuals who use them.
• Laptops are designed for short periods of use for those who do not
have access to desktop computer.
• In present day individuals choose to use laptops over desktops more
frequently, due to convenience.
• The problem is this: the screen and keyboard are very close together
and there is really no right way to use a laptop because if you position
the screen at the right height for your back and neck, it will cause you
to have to lift your arms and shoulders too high to use it and vice
versa…no matter what it will probably cause a problem for you
somewhere.
 Computer Related Health Problems
7. Laptop Use Injuries
Tips to Consider
• Use a desktop computer that is set up ergonomically-correct for you
as frequently as possible; only use a laptop intermittently.
• Use separate laptop equipment, such as a wireless mouse or keyboard
or a laptop stand.
• As always, take frequent breaks.
• If you have to take your laptop with you, make sure to carry it in a
backpack or luggage; otherwise it may cause extra strain on your
muscles from carrying it.
 Computer Related Health Problems
8. Sleeping Problems
• Artificial lighting that is given off from computer screens can actually
trick your brain and suppress its release of melatonin – the substance
that assists your sleeping patterns.
Tips to Consider
• Refrain from using a computer right before going to bed.
• Resort to reading a book or something to that degree prior to going to
bed, so falling asleep may come more easily for you.
 Computer Related Health Problems
9. Hearing Loss From Headphones
• At times you may be required to use headphones in order to better
concentrate on something or maybe because the background noise level is
too high.
• Frequently individuals will turn the volume up very high, when actually it
would not even need to be close to that volume to hear the audio effectively.
• Listening to audio with headphones on a consistent basis and using a volume
that is too high can result in hearing impairment.
• Tips to Consider
• Keep the volume of your headphones down to a tolerable level, one that
blocks out any extra noise but that is just loud enough for you to hear.
• Listening to your headphones at approximately 80 decibels is recommended;
if you are unaware of what that sound level is it can easily be researched.
 Computer Related Health Problems
10. Increased Risk of Blood Clots
• Being immobile and not allowing your blood a chance to get moving around your extremities
may cause it to pool, creating build-up of blood cells that will eventually clot (or stick
together) due to not being able to be circulated around.
• Blood clots can be life-threatening if they break away from where they are lodged and travel
to another area, such as your lungs.
• Sitting in one position for too long (especially if your legs are crossed), generally over a
period of over 4 hours, can greatly increase your risk for this.
• Tips to Consider
• Avoid crossing your legs when using a computer for an extended period of time.
• Take many breaks and stretch your legs to get the blood flowing to decrease the chance of it
pooling in your extremities.
• If you do have to sit for an extended period, make sure to bend and move your extremities
even while sitting because any little bit will help.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• The medical problem associated with computer-related work is carpal
tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a stress-related injury caused by
repetitive movement of joints, especially the wrist, and can lead to
numerous musculoskeletal problems. It has become very common
among Computer professionals due to poorly placed computer
components and extensive typing over a long period of time. Studies
conducted show that one in eight computer professionals suffer from
CTS. This study was conducted over 21 companies and the majority of
sufferers said that they experienced acute and in some cases severe
pain due to CTS. The main cause of CTS seems to be debatable,
however, with many sources saying that the syndrome is
predominantly caused by the acute positioning of the wrist while
typing and this problem is exacerbated by the need for the user to be
crouching towards the screen while typing.
• Different research conducted cites the mouse as being the main cause
of CTS[3] as it was found that among the fingers the right thumb was
revealed to be more susceptible to CTS due to the acute position of
the thumb while using the mouse. CTS, although prevalent, seems to
be very difficult to ameliorate or cure due to the consistency in the
design of computer components such as the mouse and the keyboard,
but some companies are leading the way with technologies such as
touch screen monitors which will reduce stress on the hand and wrist.
Employers in major companies are also taking measures to ameliorate
CTS by implementing frequent work breaks and work rotation
procedures to ensure that employees aren’t working on a single
computer for hours on end "a higher level of intensity of computer
work results in higher risk for CTS.” which causes severe stress on the
joints and thus can lead to CTS
• Cumulative trauma disorders are caused by "people who sit at PC
workstations or visual display terminals in fast-paced, repetitive
keystroke jobs. Their fingers, wrists, arms, necks, and back may
become so weak and painful that they cannot work,“ Many people do
not think about this when they look at their computer while using it. It
is important to note that everything down to the keyboard has a design
process behind it focusing on user interface.
Computer Vision Syndrome
• In many cases, frequent computer users suffer from computer vision
syndrome, which is a degenerative eye problem which can result in
severely reduced eyesight (Myopia), blurred vision, overall eye
tiredness and even Glaucoma. Computer Eye Syndrome is an
umbrella term for many problems but the causes of these problems
can be easily identified. When using a computer due to the size and
setup of the monitor and components it is necessary for the user to be
within at least two feet of the monitor when performing any type of
computational work. This presents many problems especially in older
monitors due to an elevated amount of monitor glare, poor display
quality and insufficient picture display refresh rates. Although these
problems are more evident in older computers the newer models are
not free from these problems either.
• Studies have been conducted.[7] They state “Treatment requires a
multidirectional approach combining ocular therapy with adjustment
of the workstation”[7] which shows these problems are quite easily
solved with minimal investment from computer manufacturers
through producing higher quality monitors with better resolution and
refresh rates. The most common form of Computer Vision Syndrome
is a condition termed Dry Eye, which results in itchy, sore and even
the illusion that something is stuck in your eye. This condition is often
caused by extensively long period looking at a computer screen.
• Video screens have a design process for user interface. Video screens
can cause eyestrain from prolonged viewing. Cathode ray tubes are
what are used to display the information on your computer. These
send off radiation. This is a concern that has been taken into account
when designing better computer screens for user interface.
Musculoskeletal problems
• Another medical issue caused by the use of computers is back and
posture problems. These problems relate to musculoskeletal disorders
caused by the need for the user to be crouched and hunched towards
the monitors and computer components due to the design and
positioning of these particular computer peripherals. This hunching
forward of the user causes posture and back problems but is also the
cause of severe and acute pain in the upper back, particularly pain in
the neck and or shoulders. A study was conducted where 2146
technical assistants installed a computer program to monitor the
musculoskeletal pain they suffered and answered questionnaires on
the location and severity of the pain.
• The study showed interesting results, as it detailed how in the
majority of cases any pain suffered was aggravated and exacerbated
by the use of computer peripherals like the mouse and keyboard but
overall the pain did not originate from using computers. "Moreover,
there seems to be no relationship between computer use and
prolonged and chronic neck and shoulder pain" This is a positive
study for computer manufacturers but although the pain may not
originate from computer peripherals there is no doubt that the pain is
exacerbated by their use and this revelation alone should lead
computer manufacturers to pioneer new technologies that reduce the
risk of posture or musculoskeletal problems aggravated by the use of
poorly designed and linearly designed computer peripherals.
• In another study,
• It was found that women are at a greater risk than men to suffer from
musculoskeletal problems. Two explanations given were that "women
appear to consistently report more neck and upper extremity
symptoms than men.", and that women may assume more taxing
positions while working than men do due to differences in
anthropometrics.
• Mental problems
• Public Health England said children who spend too long on the
internet face social problems such as loneliness, depression and
anxiety.
• According to Dr. Victoria Dunckley, excessive use of electronic
screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to
cognition, and behavior—and may even result in psychosis in the
form of hallucination.[1] She calls this "Electronic Screen Syndrome"
(ESS). She claims the root of these symptoms appears to be linked to
repeated stress on the nervous system, making self-regulation and
stress management less efficient. She says interacting with screens
shifts the nervous system into fight-or-flight mode which leads to
dysregulation as an inability to modulate one’s mood, attention, or
level of arousal in a manner appropriate to one’s environment.
Treatment
• Modern medical treatment for computer-induced medical problems
like carpal tunnel syndrome include splints, surgery, corticosteroids,
and physiotherapy therapy. Alternative medicine for computer-
induced medical problems has also been shown to be effective,
notably acupuncture