Positioning the monitor to one side means sitting
with the neck twisted. This puts uneven pressure on the neck
muscles causing discomfort and possibly injury. If you use
your computer for more than 1 hour (continuous use) a day
it is recommended
that you reorganise your equipment so that the monitor and
keyboard are both directly in front of you.
Your head weighs about 8 to 12 pounds. If your
head tilts forward, the neck muscles have to work continuously
to balance the weight of your head, and this muscle contraction
also tends to compress the neck vertebrae. The neck muscles
will also become uncomfortable if you tip your head back. Tension
in the neck muscles can lead to headaches. Often twisting the
neck to look down at reference documents compounds the problems.
If you keep your head in a neutral position the muscles do not
have to work so hard.
Set your computer so that the top of the visible
area of the monitor
is level with your eyes, when sitting up.
Learn to touch-type so that you do not have to look
down at the keyboard.
If you have to look down at the keyboard
a lot you may benefit from lowering the screen slightly.
This will reduce the nodding movement caused by continuously
looking between the keyboard and the screen.
If you persistently experience headaches or neck
pains report them to your Healthand Safety officer.
