Computer-related injuries (CRI)that affect specific body parts
* Deepak Sharan, study of 27,000 computer professionals, 2001-2007
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Computer Vision Syndrome Eye strain, headaches, dry eyes and sensitivity to light
Thoracic outlet syndrome This group of disorders is the second most common type of CRI. Nerves and blood vessels that pass into arms from the neck become constricted, leading to pain in the chest, neck and arms.
Tennis elbow Overuse of the muscles that pull the hand back (as when typing or using the mouse) causes micro-tears in the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the elbow. This can cause mild paralysis and debilitating pain, and impair one’s ability to carry heavy objects or drive a car.
Lumbar Disc degeneration Wrong sitting posture can lead to a Slipped Disc—damage to the disc between the lower vertebrae, which causes symptoms that radiate as far as the toes. This can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve root, which causes the especially painful condition, sciatica.
Non-Localised CRI Many victims suffer from chronic, non-localised pain, which often originates in "trigger points"—knots of constricted muscle—that cause pain and numbness in other areas of the body.
Intersection Syndrome Repetitive motions of the wrist and thumb cause an abrasion between the two sets of tendons that control them. The intersection of these tendons, in the forearm just above the wrist, develops a painful inflammation.
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A few things to remember while sitting before a computer