The human body is a very complex machine and like any machine, it is susceptible to wear and tear. If a person buys a new car and uses it abusively, it will wear out sooner than if it is treated carefully. The human body is no different. Even though a person has not experienced ergonomic discomforts related to computer use, the more time that goes by, the more risk, especially if poor habits are in use. Eventually something will “wear out” and start to cause discomfort.

Unfortunately, cumulative trauma discomforts can turn into very painful and activity limiting conditions, in spite of denial! It is not unusual for individuals to feel some discomfort, ignore it, and suddenly not be able to use their hand or other body part. The injury is then very inconvenient, debilitating and expensive! It also takes longer to correct and will be more susceptible to re-injury. It is best to prevent injury entirely. Early discomfort recognition and corrective behaviors will be well worth while!

If the computer is set up correctly and the individual uses low risk techniques and postures, after a brief adjustment period, the individual will be more comfortable than before the changes were made. Because low risk set up and technique is not generally well understood, many individuals have not had positive experiences with “ergonomic” adjustments. It is our primary goal to provide state of the art information based on science and thousands of interactions with ergonomic customers.

All cumulative trauma ergonomic computer injuries are preventable!

Why should I use a keyboard tray? I tried one once and it was very uncomfortable and I did not like it.

Use of an appropriately fitted, sized and mounted keyboard tray with state of the art mechanism, allows for infinite adjustments, quickly and easily. The keyboard tray will allow for small changes in posture and technique within low risk parameters and make it easier to use low risk technique.

Almost without exception, when keyboard trays are reported to be uncomfortable, they have not been fitted correctly, they are the wrong size, they have mechanisms that do not easily adjust and/or the individual is using high risk technique.

A good example is when keyboard trays are installed on conventional height work surfaces (29”) for individuals 6’ tall or over. This creates knee interference and prevents ease of forward or backward movements of the keyboard tray. Knee interference is magnified if the tall individual is sitting in a chair that will not rise to the correct height. Tall individuals are more comfortable with keyboard trays mounted on a 30-31” work surface and using chairs with extended height cylinders.

I like to recline in my chair but am told it is not good for me. Why?

Use of the reclining mechanism in a chair is appropriate for short periods of time; however when the chair back is reclined, even slightly, there is a strong tendency for a forward head and neck. In part, this is due to reflexes that tend to counter act the behind vertical position by positioning the head forward. The forward head posture places very high mechanical forces at the base of the neck and eventually discomfort and injury. The neck muscles try to compensate for the behind vertical position but eventually become fatigued and discomfort begins. Eventually, it is possible to acquire nerve inflammation and injury, leading to pain down the arm and into the hand.

An interesting way to counteract the tendency to sit reclined or to correct after a period of reclined posture is to place the chair in a very slight forward) tilt. The reflex will encourage the head and neck to pull back toward vertical, which is much safer (not all chairs have this ability, unfortunately). This chair adjustment is recommended for individuals recovering from neck discomfort or injury for any reason.

My chair has non adjustable armrests. I see that armrests can cause injuries. Why?

Armrests on chairs are appropriate for brief changes in position and for help to stabilize the chair when standing or sitting. If they are used to support the forearm for long periods of time, the circulation to the forearm and hand is compromised slightly. If contact with armrests continues for hours at a time for days, weeks, months at a time, the nerves in the forearm become irritated from lack of adequate circulation and discomfort begins. These discomforts can vary from mild numbness at night to decreased strength, numbness and pain day and night and eventually significant decreased function and serious injury.

These discomforts are sometimes referred to as “carpal tunnel behavior” and can lead to true carpal tunnel syndrome and surgery. Surgery will not be the ultimate correction, however, if the compression on armrests (or work surfaces) continues. Unfortunately, many individuals have had multiple carpal surgeries without changing the contact behaviors.

The best adjustment for chair armrests is about 1” lower than the tip of the elbow (measured with the arm relaxed at the side of the body, trunk erect), allowing for freedom of movement while keying and mousing, resting every few seconds between actual keying or mousing, on the fifth finger side of the hand. If the armrests do not adjust low enough to accomplish this position, they should be removed. If removal is not possible, an alternate chair should be used.