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At least
70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students
use computers, according to a New York Times article. As a
result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are
treating more young patients suffering from pain due to working
at computer stations designed for adults or poorly designed
for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive
motion injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic
pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.
A recently
published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell
University found that 40 percent of the elementary school
children they studied used computer workstations that put
them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in
a range indicating "some concern."
To
reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and
possibly disabling injuries, consider the following tips:
• If children and adults in your home share the same
computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can
be modified for each child's use.
• Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen
is at or below the child's eye level. This can be accomplished
by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the
child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired
height.
• Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child
correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up
towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added
back support. There should be two inches between the front
edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should
have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70-
to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.
• Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing
- not angled up or down. The mousing surface should be close
to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to reach or hold
the arm away from the body.
• The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate
90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can
be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
• Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting
and that there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare
screen if necessary.
• Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure
he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computing time.
Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving
them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles outward; placing
hands in a praying position and squeezing them together for
10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them
together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then
closing them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around
the body and turning all the way to the left and then all
the way to the right.
• Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work
properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four
8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices
and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.
• Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide
education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically
correct workstations. "If your child continues to complain
of pain and strain from sitting at a computer, see a doctor
of chiropractic," urges Dr. Bautch. "A chiropractor
can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further
injury."
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