Eyes, Neck, & Shoulders

The most common and easily corrected problems we see are poorly positioned monitors and documents.  Correctly aligned, monitors should be just at arms length and directly in front, with the top of the viewing area just below the eyebrow.   

The modern office allows year round productivity with artificial lighting, temperature, and humidity controls.  Computer use clearly increases productivity.  But the increase in productivity has costs which affect productivity.

Eyes:

Air conditioned air, antihistamines, and other medications can dry eyes.  Ambient light from windows or overhead flourescent lighting can produce glare on the monitor screen.  Focusing on the computer monitor for extended periods can cause eye strain and headaches.  

The term "Repetitive stress injury" is used to describe headaches, and eye strain.  It is logical that the solution, in part, is to break up the repetitive action.  In at least one case we know, headaches were eliminated simply by periodically looking away from the monitor to a distant point.

Neck:

Neck pain is caused by twisting and bending the neck.  This is associated with monitor position, document position, or phone use.  The most common problem we see is the monitor at an angle to the viewer.  Trying to fit a CRT monitor into a cubicle corner and trying to maximize workstation space with poorly selected desk top accessories are the most culprits. 

LCD monitor stands should provide height and distance adjustment.  Monitor arms allow the monitor to be properly positioned in three dimensions and free up desk space.  Stands and arms with tilt adjustment can reduce glare. CRT monitor's height can be properly adjusted with plastic spacers or even reams of paper.

Document holders are typically attached to the side of a monitor or set on the desk on either side of a monitor.  VuRyte and 3M have document holders that are designed to postion documents or source material between the monitor and keyboard. 

Cradling phone handsets between the ear and shoulder for even short periods contributes to neck pain.  Bolsters attached to handsets minimizes, but does not eliminate the problem.  Phone headsets are available for most phone systems and at a variety of price points.  If your job requires anything more than occasional phone use, get a headset.  Headsets alleviate neck strain and allow frequent changes in posture. The wireless sets allow the freedom to roam the office for files.