Why is working on the Computer such a pain in the neck?

For the past few months, I have been spending more and more time working on the computer. In the past week, it seems that I have been feeling more and more pains in my neck. Since I have been working on the computer for several years, I would sometimes feel an uncomfortable sensation, but it usually would pass after a few days.

In the beginning of the problems, I tried adjusting the computer screen, lowering and heightening the chair I use, adding a pillow and anything else to make the pain go away. It was even suggested to me that because I wear bifocals, that I need to get glasses that are strictly made with full screen bifocals because I am holding my head up to see out of the bottom of the glasses. Which as I type this, I am going to try tilting my computer screen again. :)

I am having problems sleeping and even moving my head when I sleep and oh, yea, getting out of bed really hurts my neck. This week I have spent most of the time sleeping with a heating pad on my neck. My pomeranian (Simba) seems to like it too and usually I wake up with him sleeping on it instead of me. He seems to take control of my bed at night although he only weighs eleven pounds and doesn't seem to have any neck problems. :)

This morning, I decided to spend some time and google the problem. I am truly amazed at how many sites are dedicated to problems relating to "computer fatique". Of course, most of us have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but I must admit that I never knew that computer useage can cause people to have "computer eyestrain", migraines, backaches, shoulder, forearm and many other issues. Some of these problems can lead to permanent damage.

There seems to be no shortage of pain remedies and medications you can purchase on the internet. I also found several blogs and other information about what you can do to rid yourself and your children of the stress that we are causing our bodies and the associated pain. I didn't even know until I did my research this morning that there is a term called "computer ergonomics".

I hope some of the information that I have found helps other people suffering from these pains and maybe keeps the "computer related problems" from spreading. Speaking of spreading, hopefully, that first video will help us with other issues relating to our computer useage. :)

Other than just the physical stress and strain, there are also the stresses that come from the computers not always doing what we want them to do. Sometimes I think we have all felt like just "burning our desk" and walking away. There are days that I really question if the computer is really helping or hurting my progress. But, I must admit, I am always back at my desk the next day.

Here's hoping your computer days are stress and pain free !!!