As people spend more and more time in front of computer screens both at work and at home, neck strain becomes a problem. Looking down at a monitor all day will definitely cause, as the old folks say, “a crick in yer neck.” You’ll be the first to know it for sure.
Desktop computers and laptops have different problems in use.
The desktop computer consists of different components: the PC unit, the monitor and the keyboard. This arrangement allows the ergonomic placement for each piece.
The laptop is far different. The entire unit is one piece. This allows mobility over the desktop, but at a price. The user can hold the laptop in their lap, on a desk or table at their convenience.
Let’s look at the desktop setup first. The keyboard should be placed so the forearms and wrists are kept straight while working to avoid repetitive strain injuries. The PC unit can be placed anywhere the user can comfortably access the power and disc tray. The monitor should be placed so the screen is just below the user’s straight ahead vision.
Some computer desks come with an adjustable shelf for computer monitors. These are wonderful- albeit pricey. Most users have an old-fashioned desk or can afford a computer desk without one.
Elevating the monitor to achieve this isn’t a problem. The author of this article did just that for about a dollar.
Take an old phone book and keeping the edges straight; apply packing tape around the horizontal and vertical to make it a solid block. Cover with plain brown paper, wrapping paper or shelf paper in your favorite color. Set the monitor on top of it and enjoy. If one phone book isn’t enough, try using two.
An old wooden box can be used as long as the user doesn’t have to move the monitor to access any of the boxes contents.
The laptop isn’t much of a problem as far as neck strain. The user should take a break every 30 to 45 minutes and look up and around to relieve the neck muscles. No attempt should be made to keep the monitor at eye level because the arms and wrists will be strained.
If the laptop is going to be used for an extended period, say in a hotel room, obtain a PS/2 splitter cable or a USB hub cable. These are not expensive to purchase online or at any computer store. They allow the user to position the monitor at the correct eye height and the user to attach and use a separate keyboard at the same time. Wireless keyboards and extra mice are available as well. Check with your laptop manufacturer to see which one is the best for your model.
Preventing neck strain is far more desirable than trying to recover from it. I know.
