Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) - An Overview of Preventive
Methods
MSD's can range from general aches and pains to more serious
problems. Medical practitioners do recommend that all the users
who use computers regularly should report signs and symptoms as
early as possible to prevent serious injury or permanent damage.
The most commonly noticed signs and symptoms of MSD associated
with computer use are as follows:
Signs and Symptoms
1) Numbness or a burning sensation in the hand 2) Reduced grip
strength in the hand 3) Swelling or stiffness in the joints 4)
Pain in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back followed by
discomfort 5) Reduced range of motion in the shoulder, neck, or
back 6) Dry, itchy, or sore eyes 7) Blurred or double vision 8)
Aching or tingling 9) Cramping 10) Loss of color in affected
regions 11) Weakness 12) Tension stress headaches and related
ailments
These types of problem can be caused by any of the following
factors:
1. If the user maintains an unnatural or unhealthy posture while
using the computer 2. If the lower back support is inadequate
for the user 3. If the user continues to sit in the same
position for an extended period of time 4. If the workstation
set up is ergonomically poor.
It should be noticed that all these symptoms might not
necessarily lead to an MSD. However, if the user experiences any
of the above symptoms, he/she should make an evaluation of their
working positions as well as the layout of their workstation.
It is always better to take precautions to avoid musculoskeletal
disorders than to treat them after you get affected. Some
general precautions include: