Computer Use Contributes to Pain in Kids:

Kids who spend hours on the computer with poor posture and incorrect positioning of the keyboard, screen, and mouse are at risk of developing overuse injuries. These injuries can include neck and back pain and also carpal tunnel.

A survey of 500 children aged 12-18 found that long hours on the computer can result in repetetive strain injuries. The kind usually seen only in adults.

The most common complaints were neck and shoulder pain. The mouse should be placed as close to the body as possible, and monitors are often too high for kids. It seems that adults aren't the only ones that need to be aware of their posture while sitting for long periods of time.

Making sure the computer monitor and keyboard are positioned properly is essential. The chair height may also need to be adjusted to put them in the most efficient working position.

To avoid possible carpal tunnel syndrome they need to keep their hands flat as they type. Taking breaks every 20 minutes is also advised. This strategy would also apply to adults who spend a lot of time in front of a computer.

After spending several hours leaning forward in a slouched position, the back has been stretched slightly and needs a break. Standing up straight and arching the spine forward might help some.

Another thing you should be aware of is going straight to an exercise routine after spending several hours seated. Doing exercises which cause the spine to bend forward, such as situps, can place extra stress on your discs.

The same thing applies to doing heavy lifting first thing in the morning. According to spine researcher Dr. Stuart McGill, your discs have accumulated lots of fluid while you slept and are vulnerable to injury when bending over in the first hour after you awake.

So if going right to work or exercise, be careful not to bend over that first hour with heavy weights. You should always be careful of this, but especially during this time.