COMPUTER HEALTH        Is Using the Computer Becoming a Pain?  Read on….
by Karen Kowal, RN, LMT, NCTMB

Damage from computer use ranks as the top source of injury over any other tool used.  Ergonomic chairs, desks, feet support or keyboard shape and placement are some ways to address this prevalent problem.  Proper equipment is vital, but the individual using the equipment holds the golden key of prevention.

Working with your healthcare professional is also a responsibility of the computer user.  A comment from the department of OSHA states "…most injuries occurring can be prevented".  Direction and focus is needed as computer use increases in the workplace and for pleasure. 

One of the common problems noted is the prolonged positioning held while using the computer.  Most injuries occur from muscle fatigue.  Overextended muscles, held in position for long periods of time, will affect circulation and can create microscopic tears within wrist, shoulder and neck muscles as we 'hunch and crunch' over the keyboard.  The body naturally heals these minute tears with
scar tissue that is not similar to strong, flexible, smooth and strong muscle fibers. 

Over time, the injured areas can decrease shoulder, chest, neck flexibility to the point that there is not adequate room for the body to do the job these parts used to do without problems.  Nerve sheathes can then be affected, becoming more imflammed, thus leading to more serious symptoms such are elbow or wrist pain and injury. Without improved posture or stretching, these muscles become more prone to further injury in time as rebetitive injury occurs. 

As a Registered Nurse and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, I began noting increasing complaints of shoulder, neck, arm and wrist pain in the early 1990's associated with computer use.  Using massage techniques to gently stretch and loosen the shoulders, after finding constriction form 'glued-down' tissues, tightness and/or scar tissue.  The goal was to increase range of motion and decrease the forward, upward shift of the scapula (shoulder blade) and this created a more effective method of reducing pain and muscle damage.  Hands-on demonstration, education and stretching exercises helped provide self-care for the computer user.

This common injury led to the development of the Shoulder Triggerpoint Pillow™ in 1994 to use when working on the computer.   Warmed in the microwave and placed over the shoulders to provide counter-pressure, counter-weight and compression provided acupressure over tight tense muscles prone to injury. The warmth will last 45-60 minutes.   The cellular waste products (lactic acid, metabolites, cellular waste products) associated with muscle fatigue are helped to be moved towards the lymphatic system with pressure (similar to action of massage).  The addition of warmth
increases the circulation to bring increased oxygen to needy fatigued muscles. This provides intermittent treatment (not continuous).  When this specialized pillow feels heavy, it means the muscles are relaxed.  Simply remove and gently stretch warmed muscles prior to returning to the keyboard.

Using this therapeutic tool in the workplace may be a stretch (no pun intended) for some employers.  Knowing this and the benefits  of the Shoulder Triggerpoint Pillows™ led to attending COMDEX since 1998 and seeking out a few folks who might have tender shoulders or a little tension in their life.  The focus is to reach those who need this tool, but also reach those who have the power to make serious decisions about policies affecting health, wellness & PREVENTION in the workplace.

If you should have injuries to your shoulders, between your shoulder blades or neck, consult your healthcare professional.  This article is not meant to replace medical care. 

Karen Kowal, RN, NCTMB is president and CEO of Mother Earth Designs, Inc.