Addressing Cumulative Trauma Syndrome
Michael Reith, MS, OTR, CHT
Addressing Cumulative Trauma Syndrome Successfully Will Require a Paradigm Shift Cumulative trauma affects millions of people in this nation and accounts for enormous medical cost sand lost-labor costs. It is a major factor in the spiraling costs of workers' compensation insurance and therefore negatively impacts industry and the economy. Cumulative Trauma Syndromes (CTS) of the arm include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, various forms of tendonitis, and other nerve compressions. Symptoms can vary from annoying numbness and tingling to intense burning pains, loss of sensation, and permanent loss of strength. While it is popular to blame keyboard use at a work site, the keyboard cannot be blamed for the condition. It is a combination of work posture, equipment position, total exposure, length of work without breaks, and the right medical or genetic history.
In over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I have found that what a worker does at home greatly impacts the problems experienced at work. Many people who use computers at work go home and continue that work, either for work or pleasure. And in general, the equipment and positions used at home are even worse than that of the office. Changing this situation-relieving pain and preventing further damage-requires a major shift in our paradigm of how the human should interface with the computer. Thankfully, a recently developed product, combined with the use of a laptop computer, can dramatically improve the ergonomic position of the computer user.
Laptops are increasingly becoming suitable replacements for desktop workstations. Increases in screen size and resolution, combined with improved peripherals and sound make the laptop a worthy replacement. Add a wireless card and the laptop permits the paradigm shift that is needed-instead of fitting the user to the position of the computer, the computer can be positioned for the comfort of the user. But, alas, one problem stands in the way. Modern laptops have powerful processors and increasing amounts of memory. The result is heat-lots of it. The user ends up propping up the laptop on pillows, folded blankets, or must limit the total time of use. But all is not lost. A new product has come to the rescue and fully facilitates a total shift in our paradigm of the position of the computer user-the Lapinator.
The Lapinator is a light, comfortable work surface that is padded underneath with a Thinsulate cushion. Optional rubber feet are provided to prop up the back of the laptop and further secure the machine on the work surface. The combination provides excellent protection from the heat of the laptop, a cooler running laptop, and a radical way in which the user can position themselves.
I have personally been using the Lapinator for many months. My desktop now sits with dust on it. It's a has-been. I can sink into my favorite easy chair or recliner, or stretch out on the couch. The soft work surface and rubber feet position my laptop perfectly. My back no longer has to support my upper body, and my arms are comfortable supported at my side, or with a few nice decorative pillows. My wrists are closer to a neutral position, and the screen is at a perfect distance for optimal vision. The result is the ability to spend hours at work in comfort, although any health professional would advise a short break every 30 minutes. For users who can't part from their mouse, the Lapinator can be enhanced my a Mousinator-an attachable work surface that allows the mouse-addicted their fix.
As a health care professional, I do not generally approve of the use of one's professional credentials to promote a commercial product. In this case I must find exception, however, because I truly believe that this product can help prevent, improve, or be part of the cure of Cumulative Trauma Syndrome. It is sold at an incredibly low price and I can vouch for it's solid construction and durability. And, it works! My laptop isn't roasting my lap anymore and I am able to work at ease, choosing the chair and position that I like, rather than having to adjust my self to a workstation. The natural curl that my body assumes in my easy chair is just the opposite of my position at a work station, just the medicine for countering it and relieving tired muscles and compressed nerves.
As a certified hand therapist and registered occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience, this is the only product I have ever endorsed. I am not being compensated and I initiated contact with the inventor to offer my praise and endorsement. And I make myself open to the reader for any questions about the device and it's possible usage for the prevention and treatment of Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the arm and hand. I can be reached at mreith@comcast.net. Do your body a favor. It's a lot easier to prevent CTS than it is to cure it. Shift to a laptop if you have not done so. If you have a laptop, buy a Lapinator and experience a paradigm shift in your computer experience.
Michael Reith, MS, OTR, CHT