Computers surely are technology's biggest boon, making our life simpler, easier and comfortable. However, this tech-box can turn into a bane, if not dealt with properly.
Little do we know that using the computers improperly can lead to a number of ailments, ranging from the short-term discomfort posed by headaches to computer vision syndrome (CVS) to potentially debilitating conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Read on to find out how your computer can hit back at you.
Repetitive Stress Disorder (RSD)
Repetitive Stress Disorder or RSD occurs due to a gradual build up of the small amounts of bodily damage that occurs on a daily basis. The damage usually occurs due to repetitive motions and sustained postures of a fixed group of muscles. For instance, regular activities such as typing, computer keyboarding, using a mouse (more so than typing), and playing computer games can gradually lead to RSD. Repetitive hand action results in swollen tissues in your wrist, which can then compress adjoining blood vessels and nerves, leading to the irritation of nerves and reduced blood supply.
Headaches
Most of us have suffered from vision related headaches. These signal eyestrain and are usually caused by improper workplace conditions. Glare from the computer screen and poor lighting are some of the main culprits. Some of the main symptoms include headaches that occur mostly toward the front part of your head or forehead, and you finding yourself pressing the point between your eyes and upper part of your nose.
Peptic Ulcer
It is a common ailment found among people working at business process outsourcing (BPO) centres. This is caused by irregular and unhealthy food habits.
Lumbago
It starts right smack in the low back and grows hour by hour while you slouch at your computer. Straightening may shoot a stabbing pain in-to the back.The pain may extend to the buttocks, thighs and legs. Lumbago may also be accompanied by other symptoms and signs such as loss of sensation (usually the sole of the foot and posterior aspect of the calf region) and motor function (usually loss of plantar flexion of the foot and toes as well as a diminished ankle jerk reflex) in some areas and back stiffness (pain and rigidity upon movement of the lumbrosacral part of the spine).
Cervical Spondylosis
Several computer engineers develop an aliment commonly known as cervical spondylosis. Cervical Spondylosis is defined by the degenerative changes of the spine at the neck, creating pressure on nerves and spinal cord at the level of the neck. Studies show that people can develop Cervical Spondylosis by sitting in front of the computer screen for extended period of time, tilting the neck forward, head down or with a posture leaning forward.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS is characterized by eye irritation, such as dry eye; red, itchy, watery eyes; fatigue, including heaviness of the eyelids or forehead; and difficulty focusing the eyes. These symptoms can cause headaches, backaches, and muscle spasms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons or ligaments in the wrist become enlarged, often from inflammation, after being aggravated. The narrowed tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist pinches the nerves that reach the fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb. The first symptoms usually appear at night. Symptoms can range from a burning, tingling numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty gripping or making a fist, to dropping things.
Little do we know that using the computers improperly can lead to a number of ailments, ranging from the short-term discomfort posed by headaches to computer vision syndrome (CVS) to potentially debilitating conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Read on to find out how your computer can hit back at you.
Repetitive Stress Disorder (RSD)
Repetitive Stress Disorder or RSD occurs due to a gradual build up of the small amounts of bodily damage that occurs on a daily basis. The damage usually occurs due to repetitive motions and sustained postures of a fixed group of muscles. For instance, regular activities such as typing, computer keyboarding, using a mouse (more so than typing), and playing computer games can gradually lead to RSD. Repetitive hand action results in swollen tissues in your wrist, which can then compress adjoining blood vessels and nerves, leading to the irritation of nerves and reduced blood supply.
Headaches
Most of us have suffered from vision related headaches. These signal eyestrain and are usually caused by improper workplace conditions. Glare from the computer screen and poor lighting are some of the main culprits. Some of the main symptoms include headaches that occur mostly toward the front part of your head or forehead, and you finding yourself pressing the point between your eyes and upper part of your nose.
Peptic Ulcer
It is a common ailment found among people working at business process outsourcing (BPO) centres. This is caused by irregular and unhealthy food habits.
Lumbago
It starts right smack in the low back and grows hour by hour while you slouch at your computer. Straightening may shoot a stabbing pain in-to the back.The pain may extend to the buttocks, thighs and legs. Lumbago may also be accompanied by other symptoms and signs such as loss of sensation (usually the sole of the foot and posterior aspect of the calf region) and motor function (usually loss of plantar flexion of the foot and toes as well as a diminished ankle jerk reflex) in some areas and back stiffness (pain and rigidity upon movement of the lumbrosacral part of the spine).
Cervical Spondylosis
Several computer engineers develop an aliment commonly known as cervical spondylosis. Cervical Spondylosis is defined by the degenerative changes of the spine at the neck, creating pressure on nerves and spinal cord at the level of the neck. Studies show that people can develop Cervical Spondylosis by sitting in front of the computer screen for extended period of time, tilting the neck forward, head down or with a posture leaning forward.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS is characterized by eye irritation, such as dry eye; red, itchy, watery eyes; fatigue, including heaviness of the eyelids or forehead; and difficulty focusing the eyes. These symptoms can cause headaches, backaches, and muscle spasms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons or ligaments in the wrist become enlarged, often from inflammation, after being aggravated. The narrowed tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist pinches the nerves that reach the fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb. The first symptoms usually appear at night. Symptoms can range from a burning, tingling numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty gripping or making a fist, to dropping things.
