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Health Warning
Use of a keyboard may be linked to serious injuries or disorders.
When using a computer, as with many activities, you may experience
occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, or other parts of
your body. However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent or
recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning
sensation, or stiffness, DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS.
PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, even if the
symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer. Symptoms
such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently
disabling injuries or disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, or other parts
of the body. These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include carpal tunnel
syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and other conditions.
While researchers are not yet able to answer many questions about MSDs,
there is a general agreement that many factors may be linked to their
occurrence, including: medical and physical conditions, stress and how one
copes with it, overall health, and how a person positions and uses his or her
body during work and other activities (including use of a keyboard or
pointing device). Some studies suggest that the amount of time a person uses
a keyboard may also be a factor. For guidelines that may help you work more
comfortably with your computer and possibly reduce your risk of
experiencing an MSD, consult your local physician.
If you have any questions about how your own lifestyle, activities, or medical
or physical condition may be related to MSDs, see a qualified health
professional.
