Can You be Allergic to Computers
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Can You be Allergic to Computers
An Introduction to Computer Related Health Problems
In the last several years, the computer has become almost a necessity in our lives. Most businesses and institutions now totally rely on the power of computing for many of their basic day-to-day operations. Individual computer use has skyrocketed now that the price of computers has come down and the Internet has become so popular. The increasing use of computers has resulted in the discovery of many computer-related health problems.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-recognized health problem that can result from repeated movements involving the wrist, such as typing. The carpal tunnel is a "tunnel" under the skin of the palm side of the wrist. A nerve called the median nerve runs through this tunnel, which is formed by bones and ligaments of the wrist. Repeated motions of the wrist can inflame and narrow the carpal tunnel, which puts pressure on the median nerve and can potentially lead to nerve irritation and damage.
People affected with CTS often feel numbness and/ or tingling in the first three fingers of the hand and part of the palm. Some also experience pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers. Wrist splints and anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin often help with symptoms; however, people with severe cases of CTS may need surgery. To avoid CTS, people should use as little force as possible when using a keyboard or mouse. In other words, avoid pounding the keys on the keyboard or holding the mouse tightly.
Eyestrain is another common complaint in those who use computers frequently. It is thought to be due to prolonged staring at computer screens with decreased blinking. Symptoms can include burning, itching, tiredness, aching, or watering in the eyes as well as blurry vision or even altered color perception. The eyestrain can also lead to tension headaches and some believe it may rarely lead to permanent vision problems. People who use computers for long periods of time are advised to take regular breaks from staring at the computer screen. Roughly every 15 minutes, a short break should be taken to look away from the computer screen and around the room while making a conscious effort to blink several times. Brief periods of eye closure also help give the eyes a rest - just make sure the boss doesn't think you're taking a nap!
Neck and back pain are common complaints among those who use computers frequently. If the head has to be constantly turned or the neck always flexed while using the computer, muscle strain and chronic nagging pains can result. A person should be able to most comfortably view the computer screen while his or her head is in a relaxed, neutral position. Good posture and support in the lower back are also important to avoid muscle strain or pain in the back. The mouse should be close to the body so that it can be reached with the arms and shoulders in a relaxed position.
Those who use the computer and Internet for long periods of time have a decreased amount of time to interact with the people around them. Lack of face-to-face personal contact places individuals at a higher risk for depression. Countless hours spent in "chat rooms" or other social Internet activities are a poor substitute for true personal interaction. Most of these computer-related health problems can be reduced or completely prevented through several easy measures. First, the computer workstation should be set-up in a way that is "user friendly" to the individual. Adjusting the mouse, keyboard and monitor position, as well as finding a comfortable chair and desk and adjusting them as needed, are a good start. Also taking frequent breaks to stretch, getting up and moving around, resting the eyes and shifting position can help prevent muscle strain. People are advised to avoid pounding the keyboard keys or having a "death grip" on the mouse. Most keyboards and mice are quite sensitive to the touch - if not, these items may need to be replaced. Lastly, people should not be ignorant and should seek treatment if any symptoms of the above-mentioned conditions do begin to occur. Waiting until symptoms become severe often makes the final health outcome worse.
Computer-related health problems are becoming more and more common as technology advances. The power of computing has changed our lives in many ways, and will continue to do so in future too. But at the same time precautions need to be taken, otherwise computers won't always make our lives any easier!
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