Over the years, laptops have slowly and surely been replacing desktops. Nowadays, many people are spending hours every day using laptops to socialize or work. However, many users don’t realize how their laptops could be negatively affecting their bodies. The following are some of the hazardous consequence of continuous laptop use and tips for minimizing injuries from laptop use.
Injuries from Laptop Use
Pain in the neck
One of the major disadvantages of the laptop is that the keyboard and the screen are too close together. The laptop, as the name suggests, is meant to be placed on the laps. This means that users have to hunch over, thus resulting in increased tension in the neck, and in some cases might result in disc displacement.
Shoulder cramps
When people use a laptop while traveling, they have to compress their shoulders so as to view the screen better. This usually results in shoulder cramps. In addition, most people are usually too engrossed when using a laptop to think about the right body posture.
Swelling and pain in the fingers
The keys on a laptop keyboard are usually cramped and placed awkwardly so as to save space. Thus, many laptop users tend to have their fingers in uncomfortable positions when typing. This might eventually lead to swelling and pain the fingers.
Vision fatigue
Since there is little distance between the user and the laptop, staring continuously at the screen can cause itching, blurring and reddening of the eyes.
Nerves and spine
If you use the laptop for a long time with a hunched spine, you are continuously putting your spine and your discs under pressure. As a result, they start degenerating slowly but surely. In addition, the long hours could also lead to nerve damage and arthritis.
The hot laps
When laptops are used while placed on the laps, the heat of the battery is left with very little space to escape. With used for a long period, the laptop could explode and injure the user.
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Repetitive strain injury
Using a laptop continuously results in problems such as finger numbness and shoulder and neck strain. Many users don’t take such problems seriously. However, if not addressed, such repetitive injuries can have a major negative effect on the user’s health.
So, how can you eliminate or minimize injuries or strains when using a laptop? The following are some guidelines which will protect your body from being affected negatively.
Tips for Minimizing Injuries from Laptop Use
If you find that your wrists and arms are not well positioned, you could try using a different chair. Make sure your hips and knees are at the same level. If your hips are higher, place something under your feet to raise them, and thus reduce the strain.
Don’t hunch
Despite what the name suggests, it is not advisable to place the laptop on your lap since you will have to hunch over, and might end up experiencing shoulder and neck pains. However, if you have to place it on your lap, put a solid object under the laptop. This will raise the screen, and thus reduce your possibility of bending.
Filter your vision
Make sure your laptop is fitted with antiglare filters. This will minimize the strain you experience from staring at the screen for long periods. With such filters, you will not blink as much when looking at the screen. However, if you don’t fancy the idea of an antiglare screen, you could go for antiglare spectacles.
Use a laptop stand
Using a laptop stand will ensure that your eyes are at the same level with the screen. This reduces the possibility of spoiling your eyesight.
Author Bio: Being an Internet entrepreneur, Charles uses his laptop every day. In his site, he displays a coupons for Skinit.com. Skinit is a fan way to customize the cover of your lap top, phone, mp3 player, tablet, or other electronic device. You can upload your own wonderful photos and let the system create the desired skin for your favorite device.
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