Computer Use Causing Poor Posture

Another blog post from Ann Arbor chiropractor Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Time after time, my Ann Arbor chiropractic office patients tell me that “My computer (lap top, iPad, smartphone, etc.) caused my back pain.” “Yep,” I say, and then I ask, “Have you looked at your posture when on your computer?”

Here's the deal: many people get neck pain, upper back pain, or low back pain from computer use. Pain from computer use is – simply – a repetitive stress injury, and much of it is caused by people having poor posture when using a computer. In addition, when computing, people are often mentally stressed, and this stress will only increase the odds of getting neck or back pain (and possibly headaches).

Here are some tips that I give patients at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office to prevent back and neck pain caused by computer use.

  1. Make sure your work space ergonomic set-up is correct. There are lots of good internet sites that explain how to position your work space, including your computer, to help prevent back and neck pain.

  2. Try to mentally and physically to relax when using a computer.

  3. Take breaks from computing. Every hour or so, you should get away from the computer, walk around, and do some light exercises such as stretches, to increase blood flow through your muscles.

  4. Make sure your posture is correct. Your feet should be flat on the ground in front of you. Your shoulders should be above your hips and your ears should be above your shoulders. Your arms should rest on your chair’s armrest at 90 degrees from the elbow.

  5. When using a smartphone, make sure that you are not bending your head forward to look at it. Your eyes should have to look no more than 15 degrees downward.

  6. You should have regular chiropractic care. Regular chiropractic treatments help keep your musculoskeletal system in proper alignment, promoting even pressure on the joints of the body, and thus making it less likely you will experience back or neck pain.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, or headaches, feel free to contact me at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office at [email protected].

Contact Us

We Look Forward To Hearing From You

WHERE IS YOUR PAIN?

Learn how we can help with your pain