Current location: Home Laptop News Are Laptops Bad for Your Health?

Unhealthy and a Real Pain in theNeck?

Posted by Matthew Brodsky

Comments
3
Likes
1
Dislikes
0

Here at Laptopical, we often sing the praises of notebooks, but is there are also a negative aspect to spending too much time with our mobile computer chums? Some ergonomic experts, and chiropractors believe that overusing notebooks can lead to chronic orthopedic pain.

Laptops area blessing for traveling businessmen, students,sales reps, and anybody else who needs convenience, portability,and power. But they can also be a real pain in the neck,literally, if you use them for an hour or more every day.

That's what leading doctors, ergonomic experts, andchiropractors warn about notebooks. They've known for a long timethat regular laptop use can do real damage to your health. They'veseen the results in patients who overdo it on the computer, andthey're finally starting to speak up about their concern.

We're not talking about getting cross-eyed from staring at themonitor for too long, and we're not going to get into how menhave gone temporarily sterile from holding their laptops on their, well, lap. (Yes, the heat generated by a notebook hasbeen known to fry the little guys.)

- Dolaptops lead to infertility in men?

We're talking about serious orthopedic pain. Talk to anyorthopedist or chiropractor, and they'll tell you that most oftheir patients' injuries aren't from sudden, cataclysmicaccidents. Most injuries come from the little things we do wrong,like use our laptop in an improper position, after we repeat themday after day, year after year. The little damage builds up overtime until you're stuck with chronic strains and pains in yourneck, wrists, shoulders, and back.

Experts say an one or two a day of laptop use is all it takes towreak havoc in the long term. What's the big problem withlaptops? Ergonomic experts suggest that notebooks are, inessence, not designed well for humans.

The main issue is that the keyboard and the monitor areattached. That makes it impossible to put both the laptop andkeyboard in a healthy and safe position. In other words, when youposition the laptop to be comfortable to type, your neck willstart to hurt from straining to look at the screen. Then if youmove the computer to make it easier on your neck, your wristswill feel the pain.

More - Laptop design bad for posture

Related article - Laptopdesk

Rate this article

Most Popular Laptops at Pricegrabber.com

Model    
1. G71-340US Notebook [+] Best Offers  
2. Mini 210-1010NR Netbook [+] Best Offers  
3. Pavilion Dv6-2150us Notebook [+] Best Offers  

Comments

  • By: Bastian welborn Feb 09, 2010 9:04 AM

    hey when did you post this

  • By: Ashley Jan 25, 2010 5:46 AM

    i just got a laptop for my bday and i do exercise everyday and i also go on the laptop for about 45 minutes sort of everyday and i didnt know it was bad for u how do u fix it

  • By: ibowoye ronke Oct 30, 2008 1:23 PM

    how can we get rid of this problem or the treatment? ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY LAPTOPS IS NOT GOOD FOR HUMAN USE?

Add your Comment

Verification Code
Verify (type this text in the box below the image)

Newsletter Sign-Up

Most Popular Laptops & Gear

  • 1. Pavilion Dv6-2150us Notebook

    Pavilion Dv6-2150us Notebook

  • 2. Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook - Customizable

    Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook - Cu

  • 3. MacBook Notebook

    MacBook Notebook

  • 1. EOS Rebel XSi Black SLR Digital Camera Kit

    EOS Rebel XSi Black SLR Digita

  • 2. EOS Rebel T1i Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/...

    EOS Rebel T1i Black SLR Digit

  • 3. D90 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit

    D90 Black SLR Digital Camera K

  • 1. iPod Touch 8GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 8GB Black MP3 Playe

  • 2. iPod Touch 64GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 64GB Black MP3 Play

  • 3. iPod Touch 32GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 32GB Black MP3 Play

  • 1. UN55B8000 55" LED TV

    UN55B8000 55" LED TV

  • 2. 42LH30 42" LCD TV

    42LH30 42" LCD TV

  • 3. EOS Rebel XSi Black SLR Digital Camera Kit

    EOS Rebel XSi Black SLR Digita

Powered by
PriceGrabber.com

Reviews & News by brand

Latest Updates

  • ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

    The Eee PC has a slightly faster Atom processor and a faster FSB compared to the previous models. While this is not enough for anyone to upgrade, it could certainly attract first-time netbook buyers. Read More

  • Dell Vostro A860

    When price and performance must share in compromise, few laptops on the market readily answer the call of duty. When it comes to getting high quality at an affordable price, the Dell Vostro A860... Read More

  • Dell Mini 9

    By now Dell has a full range of netbooks in sizes 9", 10", and oddly a 12" model, of which we’re looking at the smallest 9-incher here. Read More

More Reviews

More Top Lists

  • Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009

    Yet again, Apple's professional geeks will offer up sessions and hands-on code probing and testing at Moscone West in San Francisco. The dates for 2009 are June 8-12. Read More

  • E3 Expo

    The E3 Expo - also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is the one trade show to visit to get the latest news from the computer and video games industry. Read More

  • CeBIT - Hannover 3-8 March

    Unlike CES, CeBIT is open to the public, so there's no need to be a press or industry affiliate to have a look at this massive trade show, which is the largest in the world. Read More

  • International CES 2009

    Find out all you need to know about the 2009 International CES. It features 2,700 exhibitors, including companies who manufacture products or provide services for the audio, digital imaging, home... Read More

  • Mac World Conference

    Make sure to make a note about the Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, January 5-9. If you're a Mac user and wish to meet equivalent people in the industry this is the place for you. Read More

More Events

More Apple

More Linux

More Microsoft

Editor's Choice

  • Weird, Extraordinary and Record-Breaking Laptops

    Here are the laptops that break one record or another, be it oldest, ugliest, cheapest or just very out of the ordinary. Read More

  • Top 10 Technologies of 2008

    Laptopical's T.J. Aaron summarizes the breakthroughs in technology of 2008. As we are nearing the end of 2008 - find out what made his Top 10 of the most successful and talked about technologies of... Read More

  • Top 10 Netbooks

    The netbook world has gotten increasingly crowded, and until the massive popularity of the form factor wanes this trend will only increase. Beyond Asus and Acer, major corporations like Dell, HP... Read More

Latest Laptopical.com tweets

  •  

Follow Laptopical.com on Twitter