Do you ever experience hand, wrist, elbow pain when you are keying on a computer? Why do you think this happens? When using a computer either at home or at work lets looks at some tips to keep you pain free. We don't want any accidents that can cause excruciating hand, elbow, neck, back, and hip pain or the list can go on and on. Yes, this all these problems can be caused by using something that is in most people lives as important as breathing a computer keyboard. KEYBOARD: There are several kinds of keyboards. I know I have tried most of them. But whatever keyboard you are using consider this fact. Every time you key onto a keyboard you are slamming your fingers, hands, arms, elbows and shoulders into a brick wall. ......YES A BRICK WALL...... My favorite keyboard is the ergonomic keyboard or a split keyboard. The keyboard placement is slightly different but you can adjust. This keyboard is recommended by people who have suffered hand pain. I also suggest you try the keyboard even if you don't have hand pain. I know many people that have utilized this keyboard and have truly given it a chance. These people have told me they would not back slide to the standard keyboard. I like to observe people keying on computers. Sometimes they look like they are trying to punch the keys right through their desk. (Brick Wall) HAND SPLINTS: Nobody likes to work wearing an uncomfortable, nonconforming hand splint, You can not bend your fingers and writing turns into chicken scratch. STRESSED: When you get stressed sitting at your computer take a break, I guess punching keys on a computer can get out some aggression but I think taking a walk around the block, working out at the gym and swimming might be better for your health. TRICKS OF THE TRADE: (1) Lower you keyboard. The keyboard should not be so high that you have to reach in an upward position to utilize it. WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS IMPORTANT? Blood flow's in a downward motion circulating throughout your body keeping your mind and body functioning. The keyboard should be at waist level. You will know when the position is comfortable. You will not feel any pulling from your hands to your neck. (1) With a lowered keyboard you hands, arms, and shoulders are relaxed. (2) Your work production is increased and much more pleasant. (3) Hopefully, hand and elbow pain will diminish, fully subside or never jump from slight pain to PAIN! These suggestions work at home and work. SECRET: This has worked for me for years and I will share it with you. Place a pad under your keyboard. It will cushion the brick wall effect your hand receives every time you hit the keyboard. The pads are available on the market but are hard to find. Try an ergonomic store. You might have to get creative and make your own. If all else fails use a folded towel. Anything, you try that will cushion your hands from slamming into a brick wall will help. You will find instant gratification and you will love your keyboard pad and never want to be without it. Maybe, some of you really damaged people who by touching a key board causes instant pain will now be able to key for short periods. I know there are thousands of people out there with hand, elbow, and shoulder pain. Maybe, other parts of your body are involved. After all when all is said and done, when it comes to the body everything is connected. MOUSE: A mouse goes along with a keyboard. You can not use your computer without a mouse in most cases. PAINFUL MOUSE CLICKING: Try reversing hands. Whatever hand you used before use the opposite. I know it will be awkward for awhile, but your hands and brain will adjust. When you try this for a couple of weeks hopefully, your pain will diminish. Maybe, not disappear altogether but it should be felt with less severity. Maybe someday, these wonderful electronic people that can make computers small enough to hold in your hand, will get the idea that some people can not click a simple mouse. Now with scanners increasing in volume in business offices and hospitals this particular hand problem will probably escalate into gigantic proportions. TALKING, TYPING SOFTWARE: There is now software when used correctly will type for you. It can be fun and stimulating to use. All you need is a good microphone to dictate your thoughts. This is another alternative to keying. ELECTRIC STAPLER VS STANDARD STAPLER: When you are on the job or working out of your home office an electric stapler is definitely a winner. When you staple with a standard stapler you are constantly slamming your hand onto the stapler. With an electric stapler there is not any trauma to your hand, arm or shoulder. It is faster and it does a much better job. Most people that use an electric stapler would never switch. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY: If you have a problem with your employer understanding your problem, I hope your employer has wonderful Workmen's Compensation Insurance; consequently, that is what your employer will need. As an employer, it is your responsibility to be aware of your employees and their workstations. Be aware of what potential problems that can be resolved by listening to your employees. Try observing the work area in general. It might save you big bucks on a Workman's Compensation Case. When you are afraid to talk to your employer about your problem until it gets to a Workmen's Compensation problem, there is a definite problem in your office. All people who work on computers for pleasure, employment or whatever reason should have a wonderful cushioned key board and make your hands smile. Your key board is not the only item that can cause pain when you use your computer. I will list the other items below but will speak on these items in a future article. (1) Workstation (2) Telephone (3) Terminal (4) Chair Thank you for reading my article.Please feel free to check out my others articles. I would love to hear from you. Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler |
