VOLUME 27 - 4 Computer Ergonomics

Health Tips

Advice For Parents:
Children Need to Practice Good Computer Ergonomics, Too

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," "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."

What can you do? To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, we offer the following tips:

• 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 held 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 reach or hold the arm away from the body.
• 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." "A chiropractor can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury."

What Should I Tell My Doctor?

Don't Minimize Your Symptoms
The first step in securing the correct treatment plan for your pain and discomfort is to tell your doctor about all your symptoms and any changes in those symptoms, as the treatment progresses. Do not minimize any symptoms: even if you feel that they are not related to your condition, your doctor needs to know about them. You should also be completely honest about your lifestyle. For example, if you use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs, tell your doctor. This information will be held in the strictest confidence and will only help to guide your doctor toward the most appropriate plan of care.

Try to be as specific as possible. Tell your doctor:

• When your symptoms started,
• What they feel like,
• How they are affecting your life, and
• What makes the symptoms better and worse.

The more descriptive your explanation, the more helpful it is.

There are many causes for spine and joint pain. The most common is a simple biomechanical problem: a joint is injured and is not functioning correctly. On the other hand, serious diseases of the heart, blood vessels, abdominal organs, and even infections can also result in spine and extremity (arm or leg) pain.

Any change in your condition, positive or negative, can impact your health. Talk to your doctor if you feel that you should be progressing faster than you are. Knowing this will help him or her plan an appropriate treatment program-to optimize your health as quickly and safely as possible.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Potentially Serious Problem?
The following signs or symptoms can indicate a more serious problem. Be sure to tell your doctor of chiropractic as soon as you start experiencing them, even if it means calling after office hours.

• Your pain extends into your arm, leg, chest, or abdomen. Pain extending beyond the spine can represent a simple mechanical problem-or a serious condition. For example, pain extending into your arm(s) may be secondary to a heart problem. The sooner your doctor knows this, the sooner the problem can be addressed.
• You have progressive severe pain. Under the care of any doctor, you should begin to feel some relief within a reasonable period of time. If, at any point, your health begins to deteriorate, inform your doctor immediately. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong with your body. Progressive pain often signifies a condition that should be investigated by your doctor as soon as possible.
• You develop neurological signs or symptoms. Numbness and tingling, although not always, are typically signs that a nerve is being compressed. This compression can occur secondary to problems with the discs in your spine, osteophytes (bone spurs) that are compressing nerves, or even from diseases like diabetes.
• Your pain becomes worse when you rest, or it awakens you at night. Night pain is generally an indication that a more serious condition is present. Generally, though not always, this occurs in older patients and should NEVER be ignored.
• You cannot find a comfortable position. Most people with musculoskeletal problems can find a position where they feel relatively comfortable. If you cannot find such a position, it may be an indication of disease of the organs in your abdomen, chest, or skull. For example, abnormal expansion of the abdominal aorta (the large blood vessel in your abdomen that supplies blood to your legs) can result in back pain that is unrelieved by positional changes. Such symptoms need to be investigated quickly.
• You develop a fever. Fever can be a sign of infection or it can be associated with other conditions, such as arthritis. You should notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever.

You should also inform your doctor of chiropractic if you start receiving any other treatments from a medical doctor, physical therapist, massage therapist, or other health care provider. In addition, any self-treatment with vitamins, supplements, herbal medicines, or over-the-counter medications should be reported.

What Is Considered an Emergency?

If you experience any of the following, you should seek attention immediately, particularly if any of these symptoms were not present during your initial examination or if they have worsened:

• Paralysis
• Loss of bowel and/or bladder control
• Loss of vision
• Slurred speech
• Chest pain under your breast bone
• Shortness of breath
• A severe unrelenting headache that is worse than any you have ever had.

Research

Chiropractic maintenance care and quality of life of a patient presenting with chronic low back pain

Objective: To report on a 26-year-old female patient presenting with uncomplicated chronic low back pain who received chiropractic maintenance care using 2 quality of life outcome assessment instruments.

Outcome measures: Short-form (SF-36) subscales, Quality of Well-Being Scale, Visual Analog Scale, and number of tender vetebral [sic] spinous processes.

Results: After 9 months of care the SF-36 subscale scores showed improvement. The SF-36, although low before care, approached normal on 3 subscales and exceeded normal population values on 5 subscales after 9 months. The SF-36 physical and mental composite scores improved from mean baseline scores of 23.4 and 25.3 to 43.7 and 62.8, respectively, after 9 months of care. The Quality of Well-Being Scale scores improved from a mean pre-intervention score of 1.1 to a post-intervention score of 8.2. The Visual Analog Scale scores improved from a mean pre-intervention score of 8 to a post-intervention score of 1.5. The mean number of chiropractic vertebral subluxations, detected via palpation of spinous process tenderness, went from a pre-care mean of 6.5 to a post-care mean of 4.

Conclusion: The patient appeared to experience improvement in quality of life while showing signs suggestive of improved spinal function. The relationship between indicators of vertebral subluxation and quality of life deserves further investigation using a research design that allows for exploration of possible causal relationships.

Wenban AB, Nielsen MK. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. February 2005; Vol. 28, No. 2.

Review Our Keys To Wellness
click above to find menus to absolute health and wellness as well as little known but effective treatment for many symptoms.

How To Improve Immunity
Click above to review some proven methods of attaining Wellness.

Our Patients Get Results
Click above to see how patients have responded. Our most appreciated compliment is the kind words of patients who have received relief. You could be one of them.

The Rear End Collision

These are becoming more frequent now and you need to know what to do if you are hit from behind or slip into someonw else. Follow these simple rules if you are involved in a car accident and are not hospitalized:

• Stay calm and reduce movements of the spine
• Ice packs on the spine and neck for 5 minutes per hour will help for the first few days
• See your chiropractic physiciain right away - He is the only provider trained to evlauate spinal subluxations

For more information, click here!

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFERS

Computerized exercise instructions. Ask at the clinic.

Spinal Decompression: Enroll now if you have arm or leg pain, numbness or loss of strength.

Family Vouchers are now avilable on request. Give any family member or close freind a voucher for a compimentary consultation and spinal examination, spinal screening, blood pressure screen, or body composition screen. Click Here and ask for a family voucher to be sent to you.

We have a new exercise program sheets for all parts of the body. These protocols range from simple stretching for increased range of motion to resistive movements for strength and rehabilitation. We can print simple descriptions for you at your next visit. Arth Aid - Detox now at bulk rates. Many people are requesting several pouches at a time for consistent relief. We have a bulk rate. Call to ask how you can save.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Pass this subscription to a friend! If you have someone who would like to receive this information each month, please send them this email for subscription: newsletter subscription - c/o bruce@piclinic.com

MONTHLY REMINDER PLAN
Sign up today for our monthly telephone reminder. Our automated telephone system will call you the day before your regular monthly appointment and remind you. Monthly chiropractic adjustments have shown to improve health and reduce aches and pains. A reduced fee is available to all who join. To join, email curtis@piclinic.com

OUR STAFF
Dr. Bruce Gundersen - Chiropractic Orthopedics
Dr. Brandon Tinlin - Chiropractic Pediatrics and Homeopathy
Dr. Josh Christensen
Curtis Gundersen - DTS Manager
Laura Hill - Assistant
Bethany Burt - Accounts
Julia Mortimer - Records
Lou Gundersen - Courier

To Schedule an appointment, Curtis@piclinic.com or call 801-272-8471.

We provide this information as a public service to our patients in an effort to improve health. If you do not wish to receive this information, just email bruceg@chpdc.com and say you wish to be removed.

Thank you.