MAIN » ARTICLESComputer Belly
The intro
Long days at a computer terminal can result in many injuries, usually RSI, VPL, PMT and USA to name a few. However at time of writing [July 2002] a new syndrome has been discovered, which has been code-named ‘computer belly’ derived from the Latin roots of computus operatus bellis linus, meaning computer operator belly line.
The symptoms
A thin red line, or two depending on the severity, in a horizontal direction across the body [when in a seated position] on the skin covering the stomach area. The sufferer may also have complaints of a sore spine, which protests to being bent into a straight position. Restricted blood flow to brain, and as a consequence lower intelligence.
The cause
Testing has shown that ‘computer belly’ is caused by too many hours, or even days sat in a hunched position, on a computer chair looking towards a fixed object [monitor], whilst typing or using a mouse. The compression of the pelvis and chest cavity towards each other causes the movement of the stomach backwards, towards the spine. Externally a red line is produced, but internally the effect is similar to corset wearage, loss of breathing, compressed organs, and lack of blood flow to vital body regions.
The remedy
Sitting straight on chair, with buttocks as far back as the chair will allow, and shoulders pushed back also, promoting a straight spine. Feet should be shoulder width apart, on the floor, but never crossed over each other.
If possible a 10 minute break should be taken every hour moving away from the workstation to stretch muscles and tendons, and also get the heartbeat up. Whist away from the computer the user can make the most of their time by performing exercises such as ‘the lunge’, ‘the shimmy’, and ‘the bend your knees and stick it out’.
The future
The first two steps in combating this injury has been taken by finding the cause and possible cures, the next steps are to spread the word, and take action against this problem. Don’t let yourself become a statistic.
Written by Rib
rob.hendy@btinternet.com
Long days at a computer terminal can result in many injuries, usually RSI, VPL, PMT and USA to name a few. However at time of writing [July 2002] a new syndrome has been discovered, which has been code-named ‘computer belly’ derived from the Latin roots of computus operatus bellis linus, meaning computer operator belly line.
The symptoms
A thin red line, or two depending on the severity, in a horizontal direction across the body [when in a seated position] on the skin covering the stomach area. The sufferer may also have complaints of a sore spine, which protests to being bent into a straight position. Restricted blood flow to brain, and as a consequence lower intelligence.
The cause
Testing has shown that ‘computer belly’ is caused by too many hours, or even days sat in a hunched position, on a computer chair looking towards a fixed object [monitor], whilst typing or using a mouse. The compression of the pelvis and chest cavity towards each other causes the movement of the stomach backwards, towards the spine. Externally a red line is produced, but internally the effect is similar to corset wearage, loss of breathing, compressed organs, and lack of blood flow to vital body regions.
The remedy
Sitting straight on chair, with buttocks as far back as the chair will allow, and shoulders pushed back also, promoting a straight spine. Feet should be shoulder width apart, on the floor, but never crossed over each other.
If possible a 10 minute break should be taken every hour moving away from the workstation to stretch muscles and tendons, and also get the heartbeat up. Whist away from the computer the user can make the most of their time by performing exercises such as ‘the lunge’, ‘the shimmy’, and ‘the bend your knees and stick it out’.
The future
The first two steps in combating this injury has been taken by finding the cause and possible cures, the next steps are to spread the word, and take action against this problem. Don’t let yourself become a statistic.
Written by Rib
rob.hendy@btinternet.com