Latest News

Why Your Computer Can Cause Neck Pain
Monday, January 7, 2019 IST
Why Your Computer Can Cause Neck Pain

Sitting at a computer with jutting head forward to look more closely at the screen compresses the neck and can cause fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, increased muscle tension and can even lead to injury to the vertebrae over time.

 
 

Do you tend to suffer from headaches or neck and backaches from computer work? If so, checking your posture may help, researchers say.
 
Sitting at a computer with jutting head forward to look more closely at the screen compresses the neck and can cause fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, increased muscle tension and can even lead to injury to the vertebrae over time. 
 
It can even limit the ability to turn the head, the researchers explained.
 
"When your posture is tall and erect, the muscles of your back can easily support the weight of your head and neck — as much as 12 pounds," said Erik Peper, Associate Professor at San Francisco State University. 
 
"But when your head juts forward at a 45 degree angle, your neck acts like a fulcrum, like a long lever lifting a heavy object. Now the muscle weight of your head and neck is the equivalent of about 45 pounds. It is not surprising people get stiff necks and shoulder and back pain," Peper added.
 
For the study, published in the journal Biofeedback, the team first asked 87 students to sit upright with their heads properly aligned on their necks and asked them to turn their heads. 
 
Then the students were asked to "scrunch" their necks and jut their heads forward. 
 
Ninety-two per cent reported being able to turn their heads much farther when not scrunching. 
 
In the second test, 125 students scrunched their necks for 30 seconds. Afterwards, 98 per cent reported some level of pain in their head, neck or eyes.
 
The researchers also monitored 12 students with electromyography equipment and found that trapezius muscle tension increased in the scrunched, head forward position.
 
 

 
 

The researchers suggest to check posture and make sure the head is aligned on top of the neck, as if held by an invisible thread from the ceiling. 
 
Other solutions include increasing the font on your computer screen, wearing computer reading glasses or placing your computer on a stand at eye level, all to make the screen easier to read without strain.

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Food & Health

 Article
How To Lose Belly Fat: Herbal Remedies You Should Try At Home

A healthy and balanced diet is the key to losing weight, the healthy way. In order to lose your belly fat, there are some herbs that you should include in your dail...

Recently posted. 729 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Want To Be Quicker? Here Are 10 Foods That Can Boost Your Reflexes; Some Of Them Are Great Protein Sources As Well!

Reflex actions are more important than you think. They've protected you from significant damage, without you even realising it. Read here to know some foods tha...

Recently posted. 831 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
How Does Consciousness Arise in the Brain?

Humans have learned to travel through space, eradicate diseases and understand nature at the breathtakingly tiny level of fundamental particles. Yet we have no id...

Recently posted. 837 views . 2 min read
 

 Reviews
Top 5 Best Wet Grinders in India



Recently posted . 1K views . 45 min read
 

 Article
Hotels, Restaurants Can Sell Bottled Water Above MRP, Rules SC

A bench led by Justice Rohinton F Nariman held that provisions of Legal Metrology Act will not be applicable in selling bottled water in hotels and restaurants and ...

Recently posted. 809 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Take Your Home Gym to the Next Level With These 7 Power & Squat Racks

Get everything you need to get your lift on at home.   The home gym might be the ideal location to get sweating. ...

Recently posted. 1K views . 3 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

इतनी मेहरबानी मेरे ईश्वर बनाये रखना, जो रास्ता सही हो उसी पर चलाये रखना। न दुःखे दिल किसी का मेरे शब्दों से, इतना रहम मेरे प्रभु मुझपर बनाये रखना।
Anonymous

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top