The computer user is at their desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness they’ve had for months in their hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up their arm. Is this just a passing cramp? Maybe, but it could also be the beginnings of a repetitive stress injury or worse, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. Listed below are 6 important things about CTS that everyone who manufactures, sells or uses a computer regularly should be aware of.

Fact One: Repetitive stress is thought to be the main culprit behind CTS, but studies have not confirmed that emphatically. There is a correlation but often times other factors are in play. CTS does not cause pain, it causes severe numbness which can be thought of as painful to many.

Fact Two: Within the narrow, rigid passageway of the carpal tunnel – comprised of ligament and bone at the base of the hand – sits the median nerve and tendons. CTS is caused when the median nerve is pinched or squeezed at the wrist. A multitude of theories exist as to what causes this irritation of the nerve to happen, but when it does is an unpleasant experience for the human body.

Fact Three: CTS starts gradually and develops slowly over time. Sufferers have often stated a swollen feeling and lack of strength in the affected area. Tingling and numbness are the most common feelings which make it difficult to do even simple tasks. In some cases, the ability to differentiate between hot and cold even becomes difficult.

Fact Four: Causality behind CTS is often a mixed lot. It is due to pressure on the nerve, but that pressure could be caused by multiple different things throughout the day. It could also simply be a matter of genetic predisposition in that either the carpel tunnel is too small or the median nerve is too big.

Fact Five: Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain. Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body’s nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but is especially common in those performing assembly line work.

Fact Six: 2008 alone saw more than 50,000 workers lose time from work and half of those were gone for more than 10 days. $30,000 is the average cost to employers and employees when a single worker is diagnosed with CTS; this is including medical and time lost costs.

Computer and computer workstation designers have largely ignored the many advances society has made in with regards to understanding ways to prevent problems such as CPS. It’s critical that any manufacturer interested in the overall well being of their clients and customers will consult with a professional ergonomic designer. Many ergonomic designers are able to partner with experts in the field of human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology to bring to the best possible product to your production floor all while helping to maximize your company’s bottom line.

To learn more about Ergonomic Design visit www.ErgonomicDesigner.com. Contact Bryan Dressler today to learn how Ergonomics can help you today!

Almost everything we do in today’s world involves the use of a computer. Work, school and at home we’re in front of a computer. People who work on computers tend to spend the most time on the computer with upwards of 12 hours a day sitting at a computer desk and then possibly more when you get home! Sitting in the same posture for the entire day seems almost impossible for most, so a constant posture change is required simply to stay focused and produce good work.

Having an understanding of how customers use product gives manufacturers of computer workstations a huge advantage. Five postures you will likely see in any workplace environment are described in detail below. Design and advertising of computer workstations can become more informed and better executed through the information listed below.

Posture #1 – Reclined sitting. In the reclined sitting posture, the user’s torso and neck recline between 105 and 120 degrees away from vertical. The user’s weight is transferred to the back which can be comfortable for a long while but can become uncomfortable for people with back problems. When sitting reclined it is advisable to use a foot rest to relieve pressure on the underside of the thighs, (in the popliteal fold) behind the knees. For those users who are required to sit this way there should be ultimate adjustability at all the contact points; tilt, height, armrests, lumbar and headrest.

Posture #2 – Upright sitting. Using upright sitting forces the user to sit in a mostly vertical position with torso, neck and legs all vertical or horizontal. Those whose feet do not touch the floor would find a footrest useful. Back pain sufferers find this the most comfortable position to stay seated in. A full range of adjustability is important as it allows each user to gain maximum benefits.

Position # 3 – Declined sitting. In the declined sitting posture, the user’s thighs are inclined below the horizontal, the torso is vertical and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. This arrangement is more conducive to getting up frequently and attending to other activities around the office or home.

Posture #4 – Standing. When standing, the entire body is in vertical alignment. Normally, when a standing workstation is in use, the user needs to move and change posture frequently. An optimal range of motion is necessary with any of the adjustable standing workstations available today. Some of the better equipped stations are connected directly to power which makes adjusting much easier.

Posture #5 – Sit/Stand. Upright workstations are for those who sometimes like to work standing, and sometimes sitting. The design has been mastered by many, but those that have failed the design failed because they simply mounted a low chair onto a tall stem. The design should always allow the user to get on and off with ease.

The five postures are intended to illustrate the diversity of body positions used by computer users at home or at the office. Based on the variety of possible postures for individuals to use throughout the day, it’s important that manufacturers are creating workstations that can accommodate all five postures. Unfortunately, many of today’s products are homogenously designed around the upright sit posture without consideration of the variety of postures that are being used. Not all postures are equally comfortable or productive and should be accommodated by a wide variety of workstations to meet their specific needs and posture preference.

For more information on how you can use ergonomic design design to make the most out of your products visit ErgonomicDesigner.com and contact Bryan Dressler today!

Surviving the multitude of challenges that face the modern worker is not always an easy task. A great number of workers spend almost their entire work day sitting in front of the computer. The health club industry which has done so well in the last 20 years has been struggling of late, and fewer people are starting the morning with the good workout.

It is therefore not uncommon for sedentary workers who spend their entire day sitting in front of the computer to be lacking in exercise In order to help them make it through the day, the basic principles of computer ergonomics need to be applied. In this way they still have enough energy to complete the day Taking short breaks to get some exercise every few hours, can be vital for anyone who works hours in front of the computer. This could be calisthenics, stretching, or walking around the block, but giving your body exercise and getting your attention out into bigger spaces will help you rejuvenate.

By implementing the principles of computer ergonomics, one can reduce the physical and mental stresses that tend to drain ones energy, and allow you to finish the day with energy to spare. People still have the energy to handle emergencies at home, even if the kids get head lice in school. You’ll still be able to Google some head lice remedies, get something from your cabinets, starting a handling, and still have time to get in your favorite show.

It is not a requirement that your back and joints need to ache at the end of the day. You can finish the day feeling happier and healthier if you just apply basic ergonomic principles, such as having properly adjusted chair, positioning your computer monitor properly, and making sure your workspace is properly set up.

The amount of physical and mental stress associated with sitting in front of the computer all day long is almost unbelievable. From the viewpoint of someone who digs ditches all day, you aren’t really doing anything. However, he has the advantage of the built-in workout, and the freedom to walk about larger spaces. Take it from one was done both, if you ignore computer ergonomics you will feel far more mental and physical fatigue at the end of the day than the ditch digger.

JBuds J3 Micro Atomic In-Ear Earphones with Travel Case (Paparazzi Pink)

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Targus DVD-ROM External USB 2.0 Drive ADV01US (Piano Black)

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Easily watch movies, listen to music or view pictures on a PC or Netbook with the Targus DVD-ROM External USB 2.0 Drive. The ergonomic, toploading design is easy to use while the clearly marked buttons make it simple to operate. The USB cable conveniently attaches and stores under the device making this a sleek and slim form factor for travel. To operate, simply connect to a USB port and the drive is ready to go; no additional power source required.

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