MossRehab Offers Tips on Protecting Your Child From Computer Overuse Injury

Philadelphia, PA, August 16, 2004--Whether typing a school term paper or surfing the Internet, your child may be spending many hours at the computer both at school and at home. As a result, children are beginning to experience the same computer-related disorders that have plagued their parents for years. However, preventing these conditions is much easier than treating them after they develop. By designing a child's computer workstation in a more ergonomically correct manner, you can help your children avoid the stresses associated with computer use and thus prevent injury.

"Too often, children are using equipment that is designed for adults putting them at postural risk," said Michele Wojcik, M/OTR, MossRehab, Elkins Park. "Poor posture usually leads to discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands."

Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are most commonly associated with computer over use. RSI are a group of conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and cervical radiculopathy, generally caused by placing too much stress on the muscles, tendons and nerves in a particular joint.

"When stress on a joint occurs repeatedly the body does not have time to recover and therefore becomes irritated," stated Wojcik.

Resulting symptoms can include tightness, soreness, or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, and elbows; tingling, coldness, and numbness in the hands; decreased strength and coordination in the hands; pain that increases at night or with sleep; and, feeling a need to massage hands, wrists, and arms for relief.

To help reduce the possibility of your child suffering from RSI or other computer-related injuries, the experts at MossRehab recommend the following:

• Proper computer placement. Position the computer monitor at or slightly below eye level, with the screen centered and approximately 18" to 24" from the eyes. Any greater distances may contribute to poor posture if the child needs to lean forward or look up or down to read the screen.
  
• Correct seating position. Proper seating may be the most critical aspect in preventing computer-related injury. Make sure your child is seated properly with the monitor eye level, feet flat on the floor, and back supported. If the chair is non-adjustable, you can improvise. Have the child sit on a firm pillow, old telephone book or a ream of paper. Or, use a telephone book or a backpack as a footrest. Also, a rolled up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support. Adjustable armrests are also recommended for additional arm support.
  
• Encourage good posture. Slouching forces the shoulders down and forward and causes the chin to jut out and, thus, places considerable strain on the neck, back and entire upper body. "In fact, the pressure on the back is greatest when sitting in a slouched position," said Wojcik. Good posture is demonstrated by the head in a neutral position with chin tucked in; back straight; shoulders relaxed; elbows at right angles to arms; and wrists aligned with the forearm.
  
• Teach proper typing techniques. While typing, allow the arms to move the hands around instead of resting the wrist and stretching the fingers to reach the keys. "Wrists pads should be used for rest only," stated Wojcik. Strike the keyboard gently and utilize both hands to perform double-key operations such as Ctrl-P. Wrists should remain neutral without bending sideways, up or down. If using a mouse, grasp it lightly without squeezing and keep it as close to the keyboard as possible to reduce awkward movements.
  
• Emphasize breaks every 15-20 minutes. Even 'perfect' posture can result in problems if it is held to rigidly for long periods of time. Therefore, encourage children to stand, walk around, and stretch. Most importantly, set a good example yourself when working or playing at the computer and your children will follow your ergonomically correct lead.

 

Recognized as a national leader in medical rehabilitation, MossRehab provides high-quality, compassionate medical care for individuals with physical disabilities. MossRehab offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive programs for brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and orthopaedic conditions. MossRehab has two main facilities – MossRehab at Elkins Park at 60 East Township Line Road in Elkins Park, PA, and MossRehab at 1200 West Tabor Road in Philadelphia. It also operates inpatient units, outpatient sites and various community programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. For more information, call 1-800-CALL MOSS or visit www.einstein.edu/mossrehab.

Publish date: August 16, 2004