Dan Joseph Magno

How Right Ergonomic Devices Can Be Helpful For Back Problems? As a chiropractor, I see plenty of patients complaining of back pain on a daily basis. Aside from providing chiropractic treatments, I always advise them to give a very careful look to their workplaces. Most people are still not aware that bad ergonomics at work is the biggest culprit for back problems. Your ‘very comfortable’ work place might be giving you back pain. The problem is that most people because many have become so familiar in their workplaces that they often fail to spot the things that hurt their back. This is an important reason back pain is a common problem in working adults. Personally, I am a fan of ergonomic devices. There are some ergonomic devices that really work for back problems. You know they work if you spent time using them and not feel any discomfort. Ergotron® has an excellent line of ergonomic devices, but they are expensive. Locktek® also has a great selection of ergonomic mounts for digital devices that cost less. Here are some ergonomic devices I find beneficial for reducing back pain problems: Ditch those fixed computer screen mounts I find that fixed computer screens basically works to slay your spine. Using a fixed screen mount forces you to assume awkward postures resulting to neck and shoulder pain. If you already have neck or back problems, use a full-motion monitor arm to mount your computer screen. Select a fully adjustable mount – Ergotron® has good selection of articulated LCD monitor arms that does exactly that. Make sure that the top of the monitor is level with your eyes, and adjust at the distance comfortable to your eyesight so as not to put a strain on your shoulders when working. If using a laptop, always use a laptop mount Many people use laptops to do office work. However, laptops are not meant to provide even a slight degree comfort during use. Many users simply put their laptops on top of the table, which forces the shoulders to hunch together and put the arms in awkward positions resulting to shoulder and back pain. If you use laptops at work, I highly recommend you use a fully adjustable laptop mount. Adjust your laptop much as if it is a computer screen. I also recommend using an ergonomic keyboard like Ergotron® Neo-Flex® Underdesk Keyboard Arm with your laptop for stress-free typing. Consider having your digital TV installed in a full-motion TV mount It is fun to spend hours watching movies and playoffs on your widescreen HD TV, but that can put a strain on your spinal column resulting in neck and shoulder discomfort. Take note that digital TV sets have limited view angles and picture quality becomes to look bad when viewed from certain angles, which forces you to tilt your head and puts you at risk of neck pain. If you experience recent episodes of back and neck pain, you must consider purchasing a full motion TV mount for your TV set – I found that Locktek® has articulating TV mounts that can accommodate large widescreens and there are models for curved TV models. With an articulating TV mount, you can easily move or tilt your TV while watching to avoid straining your neck and back. How to prevent tablet computers from hurting your back? Tablet computers are very popular nowadays, but extended use can bring you back pain. Most people use tablet computers freehand, which can strain the wrists and the elbows. Tablet cases simply prop the device on a surface, but that puts the head into an unsupported position that leads to neck pain. To prevent spine issues, you must use some sort of a stand if you will be using handheld computing devices or tablet computers for more than few minutes. Locktek® universal tablet stands looks simple and elegant, does not take too much space, and readily accommodates iPads and other common tablet models.