Sitting long hours with computers?

Sitting posture while working with computer. Photo: Collected
Sitting posture while working with computer. Photo: Collected

Many of us work on computers and as a result have to sit in a chair for long hours.

Extensive sitting spells may cause pain in the back, neck and shoulder along with headache and eye strains.

An armless chair or the mismatch of the hand with key-board, mouse may result in arm, wrist, or finger problems.

Appropriate posture and right kind of table and chair are essential to work long hours at home and office.

Few things should be followed while working with computer:

: The top edge of your monitor should be at eye level so that you need not raise your neck to see the screen.

: Keep your hands at the level of the key-board. The key-board should not be hard to reach.

: Your feet should be rested on a flat surface or footboard.

: It is good to have back support. Cushion, curled towel can be used for support.

: The monitor should be placed in such a location that sunlight should not strain your eyes.

: The measurements for the table, chair, and desk differ from person to person. Expert help could be sought. Special equipment like key-board tray, document holder, and special office chair, footboard can be arranged.

: Learn exercises including upper body and back stretch.

* S M Farhan Bin Hossain is an occupational therapist at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Dhaka