Are you Laptop Limber?

Whether you're a silver-surfer with a thing for genealogy, a home-worker with 50 hours a week to your name or just trying to keep up with your pals on Facebook - the laptop has brought a new dawn to personal computing. As I sit here typing away for our newsletter, it occurs to me that I am seeing more and more patients, in different walks of life, affected by the use of the various gadgets that we now take for granted in our lives.

Certainly they are powerful devices, able to aid flexible working and the enjoyment of video, photo and games. We can keep in touch with our colleagues, friends and relatives much more easily than ever before. Convenience in shopping for everything including the kitchen sink and socks has too contributed to the hours we spend on our keyboards. Not to mention the smartphone, telephone keypad and maybe your tablet we have added to our armoury.

The laptop's downside can come from our overuse this device essentially designed for convenience and mobile use.It is difficult to see how all of the positive attributes in the laptop's portability and functionality can be balanced effectively with the ergonomic considerations that would improve the impact on the user. Ever thought how clever it was to call it a 'lap-top' and not a 'mobile computer'? Most of think of our mobile phones as temporary devices (though a few are permanently attached!) whereas the laptop has moved more cosily into our work and leisure time, even on the beach or on the sofa.

Symptoms from which you might suffer as the result of overuse of a laptop include neck, back or head ache. Arm ache or 'RSI' are commonly known about, but I find symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowels are also common in those who work long hours with a computer.

So, in order to reduce the laptop's potentially achy consequences I would suggest a few ideas:

In the workplace: Request a workplace assessment from your line manager if you haven't had one in the last 2 years.This should incorporate all aspects of your work including work at home, if this is a regular thing. Remember though, your employer can only help if you communicate with them. If you talk about something like aches and pains before it becomes a real problem, there is time to prevent the development of a chronic situation. If you can't ask your line manager or you don't have one, any of our osteopaths are able to offer advice on how best to set-up your desk.

Try a separate keyboard and mouse for long term use. If can live without a number pad, the extra room you get to move the mouse on the right helps prevent strain. A docking station with a separate screen too is ideal for permanent laptop use in the office or at home.

Really try to avoid working in awkward positions - have a look at the kids! Set a limit of perhaps half an hour for silly postures, e.g. screwed-up on the bed, and try to persuade them to use a proper chair and desk arrangement.

Your posture at any computer can be made worse by visual strain, so get your eyes tested if it hasn't been done in the last 2 years or since a significant health episode.

They're just a few tips. If you need to know more and have a problem you'd like some advice on, book to see one of our Osteopaths. Phone the practice 01926 408 885 or request an appointment online at www.westburyhealth.cpm/contact.php