At least 70 percent of America’s 30 million elementary
school students use computers, according to a recent
New York Times article. As a result of this increased
usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young
patients suffering from the effects of working at computer
stations that are either 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.”
“Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children
how to properly use computer workstations,” stated
Dr. Scott Bautch, of the American Chiropractic
Association’s Council on Occupational Health.
“Poor work habits and computer workstations that
don’t fit a child’s body during the developing years can
have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime.
Parents need to be just as concerned about their children’s
interaction with their computer workstations as
they are with any activities that may affect their children’s
long-term health,” added Dr. Bautch.
What Can You Do?
• 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 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 hold the arm out.
• 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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