You need to make sure that you are using proper fundamentals while working on your laptop. More specifically, you need to be certain that you’re following ergonomic guidelines. Not only is it essential to your health, but it will make you a much more efficient worker and allow you to get more done. With that being said, let’s cover the four things you need to keep in mind when working on your laptop. Also, if you are looking for back pain specialists then that is also a viable option.
Pointers
Laptops generally don’t come with a mouse so you’ll be stuck with touch pad or red dot. These allow you to take control of the cursor on your screen. The only problem with this is that these pads are usually very small and require consistent strain to use for long periods of time. A lot of physical stress on your hands and wrists could result of this. A simple solution would be to purchase a separate mouse. This way, you can use your laptop as if it were a regular desktop computer.
Monitors
There are two problems with laptop monitors: they are small and limited. Let’s talk about each issue separately. Small monitors can be annoying because they force you to strain your eyes when you are trying to view content on the screen. They can also cause strain on your neck because you may be forced to lean in when looking at the monitor. The next problem is that they are limited in mobility so fixing the problem cannot lie in the computer- it lies in you.
For one, make sure that you are sitting as naturally and comfortably as possible. Next, keep your head, neck, and shoulders level with your monitor. You may have to angle the screen to ensure that you aren’t bending your neck while looking
Keyboards
Since laptops are so portable, they need to be small. This means that keyboards are generally very small in size too. Small keyboards are annoying because the keys are so scrunched up that it actually becomes difficult to type for long periods of time without experiencing hand cramps or soreness. The best advice we can give you for this is to make sure that you are typing naturally and keeping your wrists straight (not angling them like most people are taught to do).
Preparing in Advance
Here is the way this solution is going to work: First, determine what you will be using your laptop for the most. Will it be reading, typing, or a combination of both? Once you figure this out, set-up your laptop in a manner which will be most effective for that form of usage. If it is a mix of both, then have two separate ergonomic solutions prepared. By understanding what positions and techniques you will be using in advance, it saves valuable time when you actually need to get to work.
Some people tend to use other solutions like purchasing accessories (mouse and keyboard) or simply connecting to a docking station (allows you to use your laptop like a regular computer). The only problem with these solutions is that they are not very cost efficient. Make sure that you understand laptop ergonomics and have a plan for whatever you will be doing the most of on it. There are tons of resources on the subject; just make sure that you are learning for a credible source. If not, you may end up doing more harm than good to your body.
Conclusion
A laptop is definitely not the most “ergonomically efficient” piece of equipment. The worst part is that your options are limited in what you can do to change that. Besides purchasing accessories to make typing easier, you can follow the other guidelines presented in this article. This won’t eliminate the problem but it should make it much easier on you when you work on your laptop.