- More than half of the general workforce is supplied with computers
- Arthritis is one of the most common causes of working disabilities. This brings the arthritic disabled folks to desk jobs, only to find the computer overuse has a tremendous affect on arthritis as well
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive finger and hand use, and commonly initiated by heavy computer use
- Acupuncture and acupressure are natural treatments used for arthritis sufferers. With acupuncture, pins are applied to specific points of the body. Pressure to these point rather than pins is known as acupressure
It is no doubt that the consistent use of a computer will have a negative impact on arthritis sufferers. Computers have grown to be the most common connection between people all over the world. Over 60 percent of households own a computer. Nearly 100 percent of all schools have computers.
Whether for processing needs or internet connections, computers are abundantly found in the workforce, as well. Arthritis has become the leading cause of all working disabilities. This may force some folks to choose a desk job which will entail significant computer use. However, what many do not realize is that computers are risk factors for arthritis sufferers due to restrictive movement. With that and muscle weakness along with fatigue, consistent computer usage will seriously affect those already suffering from arthritis.
Much of the pain and suffering of arthritis associated with computer use is due to the desk environment. Problems begin by improper positioning of the computer and manipulating position of the mouse. If the seating is not proportioned to the reach of the computer according to one’s size, further arthritic problems will begin to develop.
There are various remedies for computer induced arthritis as well as other arthritic symptoms. A natural treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. With this treatment, thin needles are inserted into specific point of the body. Acupuncture releases blockages of meridians which cause pain in various energy pathways of the body. By releasing these blockages, the flow of the energy along meridians improves. Performing this natural treatment for arthritis when it is concerning carpal tunnel syndrome, an arthritic condition which is caused by repetitive finger and hand use, specific acupuncture points are designated on the wrist, arm, thumb, and hands. Other parts of the body like the upper back, neck, and leg are involved as well.
Another natural treatment for arthritis is acupressure, which is very similar to acupuncture. Pressure is applied to the points where acupuncture needles would normally be inserted. When pressure is applied, blood flow to the wrists and hands will be stimulated, easing numbness and swelling. Generally, the acupressure points on the forearms, wrists, and hands are used for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Vitamin B6 is often used as an arthritis natural cure. This is especially true for carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. As some studies have shown, Vitamin B6 may reduce inflammation and the symptoms of carpal tunnel. Those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis have shown to have low levels of vitamin B6. Additional B6 may be needed by these sufferers to reduce chronic inflammation and pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are also used as supplements for a natural arthritis cure. Glucosamine is a precursor to glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used to form and repair cartilage. Chondroitin is also a glycosaminoglycan, the most abundant of this molecule, and responsible for cartilage resilience.
This is one thing that I’ve always been afraid of when dealing with computers. We have become a country so reliant on them, but at what cost to our health. We go out less and move less than we ever have before. It’s sad really…
I used to think that the ergonomic keyboards and mice that were coming out for the computers were a joke. They simply seemed to cost a whole lot more, but since I was given one at work I notice an immediate difference. I can hardly type on the other keyboards any more. They just feel awkward now.
I think that you will also see this effecting children as they grow older. We will probably see athritis earlier and earlier in children because of their lack of motion both with computers and video games. They don’t do things using their full range of motion any more and it will definintely have side effects down the road.