Are Laptops Killing Our Spines?

Laptops may not be giving us dozens of tumors, but they are probably responsible for turning us into a nation of drooling hunchbacks in constant agony.

I'm the first to admit that the convenience of laptops doesn't translate to ergonomic superiority. They clearly encourage terrible posture, squinting and eye strain, and a litany of other problems. (Using a laptop directly on your lap has also been implicated in low sperm counts.)

According to the linked story, one chiropractor notes that 80 percent of his patients come in due to laptop-induced pain. Another survey notes that among 16- to 24-year-olds, half complain of back pain. Laptops are believed to be at fault, at least in part.

There's no shortage of evidence on this one. If you have sore elbows or wrists, neck pain, or "pins and needles" in your fingers, the way you use your laptop could be causing neurological problems. Time to start thinking about how to improve your computing posture before you end up in surgery (as my wife did).

Meanwhile, remember that recent research says that sitting up (at a 90 degree angle) isn't great for your spine, either. I use the Logitech Alto to prop my laptop up to a more appropriate position, and I also wear SmartGloves while I work to keep my palms and wrists from rubbing against a hard surface and pinching the nerves in my hands. The gloves, especially, really seem to help.

Please share your ergonomic tips and product suggestions in the comments section! 

LINK: Sit up, you slouch potato