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Computer-Related Aches and
Pains
Do you get headaches when
you use the computer? What
about a sore neck, shoulders
or back? These are common
complaints and there are two
main causes, one having to
do with your vision and one
not.
How Your Vision Affects Your
Body
As you age, your eyes will
develop a condition called
presbyopia. What this means
is that for people in their
40s or older, the computer
screen gets a little fuzzy,
even with glasses. Trying to
read a fuzzy screen can give
you a headache.
So where do the other aches
and pains come in? These are
often caused by trying to
read the screen through the
bottom portion of bifocals,
or though half-eye reading
glasses. You tip your head
up or lean forward to see
and this unnatural posture
makes you sore.
Read about how computer
glasses can help, and how
computer glasses differ from
regular glasses. Also, what
you need to know before you
shop for computer glasses.
Ergonomics
Poor ergonomic setup is
another cause of head, neck,
shoulder and back pain.
Follow these quick tips for
maximum comfort.
Place your monitor directly
in front of you, not off to
one side (it should be about
20 to 26 inches away from
you).
Make sure your monitor is
neither too high nor too
low. Computer vision
syndrome (CVS) expert Dr.
James Sheedy recommends that
the center of the screen be
four to nine inches below
your straight-ahead gaze.
You may need to place it on
books or raise or lower your
chair. If you reposition
your chair, keep in mind
that your arms should be
parallel to the floor when
you type, and your feet
should be flat on the floor
(or a footstool).
Finally, maintain good
posture at your desk: keep
your back straight and your
shoulders back.
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