COMPUTER HEIGHT

Proper computer height is critical for normal neck curvature during work.  The vast majority of computer screens are far too low, and it causes our neck to curve forward at an unnatural angle.  

Simply tilting your head and neck forward by 15 degrees can almost double the weight of the head on the neck and shoulders.  Imagine holding two heads on your shoulders….
This chart depicts the effects of neck angle and load bearing on the neck:

0 degrees = 10-12 lbs (normal healthy head position)
15 degrees = 27 lbs
30 degrees = 40 lbs
45 degrees = 49 lbs
60 degrees = 60 lbs (commonly known as “text neck” angle)

Since we average around 6 to 8 hours at a desk per day, it is crucial to maintain normal spinal posture, otherwise chronic pain and abnormal spinal curvatures can develop.  The abnormal weight bearing can also increase the rate of spinal degeneration in the neck.

Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Chronic neck stiffness
  • Restricted breathing
  • Upper back pain
  • Pain in the neck and shoulders that seems to get worse by the end of the day
  • Loss of normal spinal curvature

What To Do

The goal is to get your computer screen to a height that allows for a proper 40 degree lordotic curve in the neck. To do so, our rule of thumb is to have the bottom half of the computer screen to be at eye level.

Placing books below the computer is a cheap and effective way to raise the screen if you don’t have a sit to stand desk.  By doing this, it forces the head to stay up and neutral.

Also make sure you have good eyesight or glasses, so you don’t have to consistently lean in to look at the computer screen.

Avoid at all costs having the head at a downward angle, and avoid any forward lean as well as it increases the strain on the mid and upper back.

IMPROVE WORK
IMPROVE LIFE

Still Have Questions?

Ask The Doctor