Finding It Painful To Use A Computer? Here’s What Might Be Going On

Do you ever find it a bit painful to use a keyboard? Maybe you get sharp shooting pains down your wrist? Or maybe you’re unable to touch type for more than a few minutes at a time, because your hands start to cramp and you need to take a break?  You could even be experiencing troubles with lower back pain, or feeling like you can’t look at a screen for more than a minute without feeling sick.  And if any of these issues have cropped up for you lately, it’s time to tackle what they could actually mean. If you find it painful and/or uncomfortable to use a computer, here’s what might be going on. 

You’re Dealing with Eye Strain

Most people who stare at a screen for more than an hour at a time will get eye strain of some kind. Thankfully it’s not usually a serious thing to deal with, and you can fix it by looking somewhere else for at least 20 to 30 seconds.  And make sure you blink a few more times as well! When we focus on things like screens, we’re less likely to blink as many times as we really should, and our eyes tire out because of it. 

You Have RSI or Carpal Tunnel

RSI often starts as a bit of an ache in your hands. Maybe across the knuckles, or down the side of the thumb, for example. It can then soon develop into a more pressing pain sensation, as well as stiffness in your finger joints.  If you’re dealing with any symptoms like these, be sure to see a doctor to check if RSI is the culprit. Of course, RSI is more likely to develop if you use computers on an extremely regular basis, such as if you’re a desk worker. That’s why it’s becoming more and more common in office based jobs, as well as freelancing circles, and the digital working world.  If you write your own code and work on the backend of a website or software, you could very well end up with repetitive strain injury from never quite being away from the keyboard.  In some cases, you may even have the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel can dramatically affect the way you’re able to use your hands, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome can qualify for disability benefits, if it keeps you away from your desk due to the pain or weakness it causes. 

You’re Not Sitting Correctly

Posture is everything. If you’re in pain when you’re sitting at a computer – and the pain is in your lower back or legs – you’ve probably been hunching over a bit too much.  Try to sit back, straighten out, and let your muscles stretch a little! Try to make sure your feet are flat against the floor as well, so your legs aren’t cramping up.  When you’re in pain at the computer, it could be strain, RSI, or posture issues wreaking some havoc!

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