Laptops

Laptop health
Laptops may help us be more mobile but they're being blamed for a rise in back, neck and shoulder problems.

After a survey done in 2006/7, it has reveiled that heavy use or prolonged use of laptops, is one of the main causes of upper back and limb problems.

Bad posture is inevitable because of the way laptops are designed, says Levent Caglar, senior consultant ergonomist at the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).
“The main problem is the keyboard being attached to the screen,” he says.
“You need the screen at arm's length but you need the keyboard near you, so you push the laptop further back, then your hands stretch out, then you hunch your shoulders.
"That creates bad posture. If I were designing a laptop, I’d do it with a detachable screen.
“The average human head weighs quite a lot. If it’s in the ideal position, balanced above the shoulders, it’s fine.

“But when you use a laptop, your ears are further forward than your shoulders. That’s like taking a weight and holding it out at arm's length.
“The load through your spine is much greater and, even worse, it’s a static load. You’re not moving. This causes neck, upper back and arm problems."
Tim says laptops are fine when used properly. "There are plenty of ways you can make your laptop safer and more comfortable,” he says.

Tim says laptops are fine when used properly. "There are plenty of ways you can make your laptop safer and more comfortable,” he says.

Tim Hutchful’s tips on laptop use

Use a separate keyboard and mouse so the laptop can be put on a stand and the screen opened at eye level. Alternatively use a docking station.
Use your laptop on a stable base where there is support for your arms, and not on your lap. Take regular breaks. If you’re moving, there’s a lot less stress on your muscles and joints. Adopt good sitting posture with lower back support and ensure other desk equipment is within reach. Get into good habits before the aching starts. Neck, shoulder and back problems build up over time.