If you are always on the computer and have some minor akes and pains....make sure you take a look at these simple tips

use a good chair with a dynamic chair back and sit back in this
top of monitor casing 2-3" (5-8 cm) above eye level
no glare on screen, use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed
sit at arms length from monitor
feet on floor or stable footrest
use a document holder, preferably in-line with the computer screen
wrists flat and straight in relation to forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input device
arms and elbows relaxed close to body
center monitor and keyboard in front of you
use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse platform or downward tiltable platform adjacent to keyboard
use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray
take frequent short breaks (microbreaks)



This post has been edited by microscopic^earthling: Apr 5 2005, 10:52 AM

I just pile pillows and blankets on to my chair, and as a result am usually quite cushy.

I find following all those tips to be too high-maintenance. I like to keep things simple. My chair leans far back enough to serve as a little bed should I start getting a little bit sore, and my pillows and blankets are right there! Oh hohoho.

i think that will be very goood information for most of the users of this forum, az most of them are from computer field or have some rrelation with computer so they used to sit on chairs and den start the pains etc .... so thanks buddy i am using these tips......

cheers up and use these tips...

I put a blanket underneath, and put my feet up onti the workbench (adjacent to the monitor), then I put my cordless keyboard and mouse onto my chest and laze around for hours.

My best tip is to buy a cordless keyboard and mouse, it's so much more convenient if you're a lazo like me

Some excellent tips there!
One tip you didn't mention is something you should do when you are not sitting in front of the computer.

WORK OUT! Working out for at least 4 times a week for just 20mins or so and get rid of those aches and pains. Also, try stretching for about 10 mins before going on the computer. This will loosen the muscles and keep them from tightening up.

You mentioned taking frequent breaks.
At the webdesign company that I own, we have 9 team members who I allow a 10 minute break every hour. You will be suprised at the amount of work they succeed in getting done. It also gets their creative juices going. How many times have you thought of your best ideas when you are not sat at your computer desk?? Many of the worlds largest, powerful and most famous inventions were invented by individuals while on a lunch break, vacation and other relaxing activities. I do pay them for the 10 mins they are not at the computer. I believe this is the way you should treat your staff/team members, it is a much better environment when everyone is relaxed, well rested and happy.
Sorry for going of topic,


VG

I don’t think that you’re going of topic VG. I think that the topic is how to achieve efficacy in the long term: How not to suffer serious injuries derived from not being able to work adequately at the computer, which implies certain physical preparation and appropriate psychological attitude also.

[FONT=Arial]I find that taking frequent breaks is nessacery when at the computer for a while, so get up and do something that takes your mind (and eyes) off the screen so it gets you motivated again... those were helpful tips, though, so good job..

Hello!

On trap17 forums I have already posted an tutorial about using the computer the right way here is the link to it.

I use a moon chair for my home computer chair. I can sit anyway possible and don't have to stay sitting one way. consequently my body never falls asleep and I never feel any aches and pains and never feel restless. Im sure it doesnt do good for posture but thats something I can deal with

I have a laptop, so can go anywhere i want
but i am getting a computer shortly

i will take your tips into account, because last time i had a computer my shoulders started to realy hurt after 30 minutes