Are Laptops Killing Our Spines?

Tue May 29, 2007 5:17PM EDT

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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

Comments on Are Laptops Killing Our Spines?

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  • 1 Posted by kiyanayah on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    Oy, yes! I had some backpain from schoolbooks in high school, but it's only gotten worse since I started college and began carrying my laptop around with me. It doesn't really help that it's one of those 15.4 inch ones, and weighs nearly 8 pounds. When I have all of my books packed in it for an average day of class, I can not zip my bag shut. Fortunately, my job at the unversity library provides me with a locker, so it gives my back some relief.

  • 2 Posted by kenbringhurst on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with the Smart Gloves - love 'em. But for people with sweaty hands like me, they become moist quickly and need to be washed regularly. At work I have a regular desk, with two long wrist pads that I use to prop my elbows one. Makes for comfortable hands, but I end up hunching over my desk and getting a back ache. Maybe I should get a Lazy Boy for my office too?

  • 4 Posted by hess-robert@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    I sit on the couch to use my laptop, with my feet on the footstool, knees flexed & Laptop resting on my thighs. iuse an optical mouse on the arm rest and don't have the problems I had using my desktop. (I have a 15 year history of low back problems)

  • 5 Posted by rfaronesr@ameritech.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    The Logitech Alto notebook stand is an awesome tool while at a desktop, but not a convenient tool to carry with us all the time or at least not for me. I try to just position my notebook at a higher spot as to my working height...such as notebook on a bed and me on the floor utilizing it. This is my first notebook and still getting used to more convenient ways of being more comfortable.

  • 6 Posted by heatherlc4u on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    THIS IS SOO TRUE A BLOG I CAN RELATE TO LOL. well I tend to sit on the floor alot at night with my laptop, You eventually get lost into the net"world", and yourthere for good couple hours then,,, "try to get up". every bone does not want to cooperate with you . your then the tin man. lol. What we will do to keep up in the world. Made easy but harder on the body. Heather A. in Jacksonville, florida

  • 7 Posted by gooddayz39 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have found that using my arms to prop myself up provides greater arm strength and also decompresses my spine...

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