Computer-induced medical problems: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Healthcare issues caused by extended use of computers}}

{{multiple issues|

{{RefimproveMore citations needed|date=November 2010}}

{{Original research|date=July 2013}}

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'''Computer-induced health problems''' can be an [[umbrella term]] for the various problems a [[computer]] user can develop from prolongedextended and incorrect [[computer use]]. A computer user may experience many physical health problems from using computers extensively over a prolonged period of time in an inefficient manner. The computer user may have poor [[etiquette]] when using peripherals, for example incorrect posture. Reportedly, excessive use of electronic screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to mood, cognition, and behavior, even to the point of hallucination.<ref name=":0" /> Prevention methods include physical activity breaks, hydration, ergonomic posture, and regular eye exercises such as the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet or 6 meters away for 20 seconds).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-05 |title=Rx for Prolonged Sitting: A Five-Minute Stroll Every Half Hour |url=https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/rx-prolonged-sitting-five-minute-stroll-every-half-hour |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Columbia University Irving Medical Center |language=en}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=January 2025}}

==Overview==

In today’s world using computers is a necessity for the majority of people but not many people actually consider the medical consequences that working with computers can cause, such as damaged eyesight, bad posture, arthritis in fingers and computer stress injuries that can be caused by sitting in one position for a prolonged period of time. The above problems are more commonly associated with old age but due to many factors such as poor component design, proximity of the user to the screen and an excess of consecutive working hours mean that the above problems can feature in both young and old computer users. This is an extremely important issue as computers become more important in every corner of employment the medical effects caused by them will elevate unless sufficient research is performed and time is dedicated into eliminating and reducing these problems as much as possible. It is estimated that today at least 75% of all jobs involve some level of computer use; this means three-quarters of the workforce are being exposed to numerous health problems, the same can be said of students and educators who do not go through any day without access to a computer for academic work. The figure for people working with and using computers recreationally is to increase considerably in the coming years so it is crucially important that these problems are identified and resolved sooner rather than later in an effort to reduce if not eradicate these problems.

==Common computer-induced medical problems==

Notable physical medical problems that can arise from using computers include Carpalcarpal Tunneltunnel Syndromesyndrome, Computercomputer Visionvision Syndromesyndrome, and Musculoskeletalmusculoskeletal problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/computer-related-injuries|title=Computer-related injuries}}</ref>

===Carpal Tunneltunnel Syndromesyndrome===

The medical problem associated with computer-related work is [[carpal tunnel syndrome]] (CTS). CTS is a stress-related injury caused by repetitive movement of joints, especially the wrist, and can lead to numerous musculoskeletal problems. It has become very common among Computer professionals due to poorly placed computer components and extensive typing over a long period of time. Studies conducted show that one in eight computer professionals suffer fromexperience CTS.<ref name="Andersen et al 2003">{{cite journal |pmiddoi=1698479010.1001/jama.289.22.2963 |urltitle=httpComputer Use and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome://www.ciop.pl/18291 A 1-Year Follow-up Study |year=20062003 |last1=AliAndersen |first1=KMJ. H. |last2journal=SathiyasekaranJAMA |first2volume=BW289 |titleissue=Computer22 professionals|pages=2963–9 and|pmid=12799404 Carpal|last2=Thomsen Tunnel|first2=JF Syndrome|last3=Overgaard (CTS)|first3=E |volumelast4=12Lassen |issuefirst4=3CF |pageslast5=319–25Brandt |journalfirst5=InternationalLP Journal|last6=Vilstrup of|first6=I Occupational|last7=Kryger Safety|first7=AI and Ergonomics|last8=Mikkelsen |first8=S|doi-access=10.1080/10803548.2006.11076691free }}</ref> This study was conducted over 21 companies and the majority of sufferersaffected people said that they experienced acute and in some cases severe pain due to CTS. The main cause of CTS seems to be debatable, however, with many sources saying that the syndrome is predominantly caused by the acute positioning of the wrist while typing and this problem is exacerbated by the need for the user to be crouching towards the screen while typing. Different research conducted cites the mouse as being the main cause of CTS<ref name="Andersen et al 2003"/> as it was found that among the fingers the right thumb was revealed to be more susceptible to CTS due to the acute position of the thumb while using the mouse. CTS, although prevalent, seems to be very difficult to ameliorate or cure due to the consistency in the design of computer components such as the mouse and the keyboard, but some companies are leading the way with technologies such as touch screen monitors which will reduce stress on the hand and wrist. Employers in major companies are also taking measures to ameliorate CTS by implementing frequent work breaks and work rotation procedures to ensure that employees aren’taren't working on a single computer for hours on end "a higher level of intensity of computer work results in higher risk for CTS.".<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=16984790 |url=http://www.ciop.pl/18291 |year=2006 |last1=Ali |first1=KM |last2=Sathiyasekaran |first2=BW |title=Computer professionals and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=319–25 |journal=International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics |doi=10.1080/10803548.2006.11076691|citeseerx=10.1.1.1002.3294 |s2cid=37270609 }}</ref> which causes severe stress on the joints and thus can lead to CTS

Cumulative trauma disorders are caused by "people who sit at PC workstations or visual display terminals in fast-paced, repetitive keystroke jobs. Their fingers, wrists, arms, necks, and back may become so weak and painful that they cannot work,".<ref name="Brien">O’BrienO'Brien & Marakas, 2007, p.&nbsp;553</ref> Many people do not think about this when they look at their computer while using it. It is important to note that everything down to the keyboard has a design process behind it focusing on user interface.<ref name="Brien_a">O’Brien,{{cite J. &book|last1=O'Brien|first1=James A.|last2=Marakas,|first2=George GM. (|year=2011).|title=Management Information SystemSystems, 10e. |___location=New York, NY. |publisher=McGraw-Hill Irwin.|isbn=9780071221092}}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref>

===Computer Visionvision Syndromesyndrome===

{{Main article|Computer vision syndrome}}

In many cases, frequent computer users suffer fromdevelop computer vision syndrome, which is a degenerative eye problem which can result in severely reduced eyesight (Myopia[[myopia]]), blurred vision, overall eye tiredness and even Glaucoma[[glaucoma]]. Computer Eye Syndrome is an umbrella term for many problems but the causes of these problems can be easily identified. When using a computer due to the size and setup of the monitor and components it is necessary for the user to be within at least two feet of the monitor when performing any type of computational work. This presents many problems especially in older monitors due to an elevated amount of monitor glare, poor display quality and insufficient picture display refresh rates. Although these problems are more evident in older computers the newer models are not free from these problems either. Studies have been conducted .<ref name="Blehm et al 2005">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.survophthal.2005.02.008 |title=Computer Vision Syndrome: A Review |year=2005 |last1=Blehm |first1=Clayton |last2=Vishnu |first2=Seema |last3=Khattak |first3=Ashbala |last4=Mitra |first4=Shrabanee |last5=Yee |first5=Richard W. |journal=Survey of Ophthalmology |volume=50 |issue=3 |pages=253–62 |pmid=15850814}}</ref>. They state “Treatment"Treatment requires a multidirectional approach combining ocular therapy with adjustment of the workstation”workstation"<ref name="Blehm et al 2005"/> which shows these problems are quite easily solved with minimal investment from computer manufacturers through producing higher quality monitors with better resolution and refresh rates. The most common form of Computercomputer Visionvision Syndromesyndrome is a condition termed Drydry Eyeeye, which results in itchy, sore and even the illusion that something is stuck in your eye. This condition is often caused by extensively long period looking at a computer screen.

Video screens have a design process for user interface. Video screens can cause eyestrain from prolonged viewing. Cathode ray tubes are what are used to display the information on your computer. These send off radiation. This is a concern that has been taken into account when designing better computer screens for user interface.<ref name="Brien" /><ref name="Brien_a" />

===Musculoskeletal problems===

Another medical issue caused by the use of computers is back and posture problems. These problems relate to musculoskeletal disorders caused by the need for the user to be crouched and hunched towards the monitors and computer components due to the design and positioning of these particular computer peripherals. This hunching forward of the user causes posture and back problems but is also the cause of severe and acute pain in the upper back, particularly pain in the neck and or shoulders. A study <ref name="Andersen et al 2008">{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/oem.2007.033506 |title=Computer mouse use predicts acute pain but not prolonged or chronic pain in the neck and shoulder |year=2008 |last1=Andersen |first1=J H |last2=Harhoff |first2=M |last3=Grimstrup |first3=S |last4=Vilstrup |first4=I |last5=Lassen |first5=C F |last6=Brandt |first6=L P A |last7=Kryger |first7=A I |last8=Overgaard |first8=E |last9=Hansen |first9=K D |last10=Mikkelsen |first10=S |journal=Occupational and Environmental Medicine |volume=65 |issue=2 |pages=126–31 |pmid=17681996|display-authors=8 |url=http://oem.bmj.com/content/oemed/65/2/126.full.pdf |doi-access=free }}</ref> was conducted where 2146 technical assistants installed a computer program to monitor the musculoskeletal pain they suffered and answered questionnaires on the ___location and severity of the pain. The study showed interesting results, as it detailed how in the majority of cases any pain suffered was aggravated and exacerbated by the use of computer peripherals like the mouse and keyboard but overall the pain did not originate from using computers. "Moreover, there seems to be no relationship between computer use and prolonged and chronic neck and shoulder pain".<ref name="Andersen et al 2008"/> This is a positive study for computer manufacturers but although the pain may not originate from computer peripherals there is no doubt that the pain is exacerbated by their use and this revelation alone should lead computer manufacturers to pioneer new technologies that reduce the risk of posture or musculoskeletal problems aggravated by the use of poorly designed and linearly designed computer peripherals.

In another study,<ref>{{cite webjournal|last=Wahlstro¨m|first=Jens|title=Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and computer work|url=http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/3/168.full.pdf?origin|journal=publication_detailOccupational Medicine|workyear=oxfordjournals.org2005 |volume=55 |issue=3 |pages=168–176 |publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/occmed/kqi083 |pmid=15857896 |accessdate=20 April 2014}}</ref> It was found that women are at a greater risk than men to suffer fromdevelop musculoskeletal problems than men. Two explanations given were that "women appear to consistently report more neck and upper extremity symptoms than men.", and that women may assume more taxing positions while working than men do due to differences in anthropometrics.

=== Sleep disordersproblems ===

{{Main article|Screen_time#Physical_health_effects}}

A study with 4100 young adults revealed that intensive use of cell phones and computers can be linked to an increase in [[Stress (biology)|stress]], [[Sleep disorder|sleep disorders]] and [[Depression (mood)|depressive symptoms]] in young adults. It’s been shown that the light from TV and computer screens affects melatonin production and melanopsin stimulation, and throws off our [[Circadian rhythm|circadian rhythms]]. This interrupts or prevents deep, restorative sleep, causing an increase in stress and depressive symptoms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-volpi-md-pc-facs/technology-depression_b_1723625.html|title=Heavy Technology Use Linked to Fatigue, Stress and Depression in Young Adults|last=F.A.C.S|first=David Volpi, M. D. , P. C.|date=2012-08-02|website=Huffington Post|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-03}}</ref>

More screen-time has been linked with shorter sleep duration, decreased [[sleep efficiency]], and longer [[sleep onset]] delay.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |last1=Christensen |first1=Matthew A. |last2=Bettencourt |first2=Laura |last3=Kaye |first3=Leanne |last4=Moturu |first4=Sai T. |last5=Nguyen |first5=Kaylin T. |last6=Olgin |first6=Jeffrey E. |last7=Pletcher |first7=Mark J. |last8=Marcus |first8=Gregory M. |last9=Romigi |first9=Andrea |date=9 November 2016 |title=Direct Measurements of Smartphone Screen-Time: Relationships with Demographics and Sleep |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=11 |issue=11 |pages=e0165331 |bibcode=2016PLoSO..1165331C |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0165331 |pmc=5102460 |pmid=27829040 |doi-access=free}}</ref> When using any screen before bedtime, the blue light emitted disrupts the body's natural melatonin hormone production.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Hines |first=Jennifer |title=Why Too Much Screen Time Can Lead to Sleep Deprivation for Alaskans |url=https://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/bid/317399/why-too-much-screen-time-can-lead-to-sleep-deprivation-for-alaskans |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104212038/https://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/bid/317399/why-too-much-screen-time-can-lead-to-sleep-deprivation-for-alaskans |archive-date=4 November 2019 |access-date=2019-11-08 |website=www.alaskasleep.com}}</ref> Melatonin is produced by the brain's pineal gland and controls the body's internal clock.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=What Is Melatonin? |url=https://www.sleep.org/articles/melatonin/ |access-date=2019-11-09 |website=Sleep.org}}</ref> This clock is what is referred to as the body's circadian rhythm and it naturally is responsive to light.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=What is Circadian Rhythm / Body Clock? |url=https://www.sleep.org/articles/circadian-rhythm-body-clock/ |access-date=2019-11-09 |website=Sleep.org}}</ref> Melatonin levels increase as the sun sets and remain at that increased state for the remainder of the night. As the sun rises, [[melatonin]] levels start to drop. This hormone reduction is what helps the body's natural rhythm wake up due to the bursts of natural sunlight.<ref name=":12" /> The light screens emit are in a similar spectrum of sunlight, but the blue light emission is what human circadian rhythms are most sensitive to. Studies have shown that the blue wavelengths are closely correlated to those from sunlight, which is what helps the body keep in sync with the sunrise and sunset.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=David |last2=Wilkin |first2=Rebecca |title=What staring at a screen all day does to your brain and body |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/screen-time-effects-health-vision-staring-at-screens-bad-for-you-2019-1 |access-date=2019-11-09 |website=Business Insider}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2020|reason=Business Insider doesn't have any consensus on its reliability in general, especially not for medical/neurological information.}} Therefore, using any screen prior to bedtime disrupts the body's production of natural bedtime hormones which can trick the brain to believe it is still daytime making it harder to fall asleep.

===Mental problems===

{{Main article|Digital media use and mental health}}

Public Health England said children who spend too long on the internet face social problems such as loneliness, depression and anxiety.<ref>{{cite web |url=httphttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10835157/Too-much-time-on-web-gives-children-mental-health-problems.html|title=Too much time on web 'gives children mental health problems'|date=16 May 2014 }}</ref>

According to Dr. Victoria DunkleyDunckley, excessive use of electronic screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to mood, cognition, and behavior -- andbehavior—and may even result in psychosis in the form of hallucination.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-wealth/201207/electronic-screen-syndrome-unrecognized-disorder|title=Electronic Screen Syndrome: An Unrecognized Disorder? Screentime and the rise of mental disorders in children.|date=Jul 23, 2012}}</ref> She calls this "Electronic Screen Syndrome" (ESS). She claims the root of these symptoms appears to be linked to repeated stress on the nervous system, making self-regulation and stress management less efficient. She says interacting with screens shifts the nervous system into fight-or-flight mode which leads to dysregulation as an inability to modulate one’sone's mood, attention, or level of arousal in a manner appropriate to one’sone's environment.

Public Health England said children who spend too long on the internet face social problems such as loneliness, depression and anxiety.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10835157/Too-much-time-on-web-gives-children-mental-health-problems.html|title=Too much time on web 'gives children mental health problems'}}</ref>

According to Dr Victoria Dunkley, excessive use of electronic screen media can have ill effects on mental health related to mood, cognition, and behavior -- and may even result in psychosis in the form of hallucination.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-wealth/201207/electronic-screen-syndrome-unrecognized-disorder|title=Electronic Screen Syndrome: An Unrecognized Disorder? Screentime and the rise of mental disorders in children.|date=Jul 23, 2012}}</ref> She calls this "Electronic Screen Syndrome" (ESS). She claims the root of these symptoms appears to be linked to repeated stress on the nervous system, making self-regulation and stress management less efficient. She says interacting with screens shifts the nervous system into fight-or-flight mode which leads to dysregulation as an inability to modulate one’s mood, attention, or level of arousal in a manner appropriate to one’s environment.

=== Apnea ===

==Possible ameliorations==

[[Email apnea]], also known as screen apnea, refers to the tendency to hold one's breath while engaging in some computer activities, particularly [[email]] writing. The term derives from [[sleep apnea]], which involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This phenomenon can exacerbate anxiety, as it often occurs during high-stress situations, leading to increased physical tension and mental strain. According to psychologists, high achievers and perfectionists are especially prone to email apnea due to a tendency to seek perfection in every email or text they send, which increases the stress around it and demands more focus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laurence |first=Emily |date=2024-03-14 |title=We Regret To Inform You That You May Have 'Email Apnea' and Not Even Realize It |url=https://www.gq.com/story/email-apnea |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref> Email apnea can result in [[sleep disturbances]], decreased energy levels, and heightened feelings of [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and [[anxiety]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=O'Gieblyn |first=Meghan |title=Mental Health Apps Won't Get You Off the Couch |url=https://www.wired.com/story/are-mental-health-apps-worth-trying/ |access-date=2024-11-04 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>

Overall it is clear to see that there are many medical problems that can arise from using computers and damaged eyesight, CTS and musculoskeletal problems are only the tip of the iceberg. But it is also important to note that changes are currently being made to ensure that all these problems are ameliorated to the best standard that employers and computer users currently have the technology to implement. By taking measures like ensuring our computer peripherals are situated to ensure maximum comfort while working and taking frequent breaks from computational work can go a long way to ensuring that many medical conditions arising from computers are avoided. These are small measures but they go a long way to ensuring that computer users maintain their health, As with many modern and marvellous technologies in the world today there is always a downside and the major downside of computers is the medical problems that can arise from their prolonged use. Thus it is the duty of computer users and employers everywhere to ensure that the downside is kept to a minimum.

== Prevention ==

In addition to the actual design of computer work, other job conditions can contribute to the stress of operators. These include low wages, absence of career advancement opportunities and inadequate child care.

For many people, using a computer for several hours a day is indispensable as part of their job or personal needs, but there are some measures that can be taken to avoid or mitigate its negative effects on health:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Five Healthy Tips for Working at a Computer {{!}} Ramsay Health UK |url=https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/blog/lifestyle/five-healthy-tips-for-working-at-a-computer |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=www.ramsayhealth.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

* Take active breaks: Get up every 30-60 minutes, stretch your muscles, and walk around for a few minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-05 |title=Rx for Prolonged Sitting: A Five-Minute Stroll Every Half Hour |url=https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/rx-prolonged-sitting-five-minute-stroll-every-half-hour |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=Columbia University Irving Medical Center |language=en}}</ref>

==Treatment==

* Ergonomic posture: Adjust your chair and body for a straight and comfortable posture.

Modern medical treatment for computer-induced medical problems like carpal tunnel syndrome include splints, surgery, corticosteroids, and physiotherapy therapy.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199903)35:3<232::AID-AJIM3>3.0.CO;2-G |title=Clinical management of carpal tunnel syndrome: A 12-year review of outcomes |year=1999 |last1=Feuerstein |first1=Michael |last2=Burrell |first2=Lolita M. |last3=Miller |first3=Virginia I. |last4=Lincoln |first4=Andrew |last5=Huang |first5=Grant D. |last6=Berger |first6=Ruth |journal=American Journal of Industrial Medicine |volume=35 |issue=3 |pages=232–45 |pmid=9987556}}</ref>

* Use a monitor at the correct height if you work on a laptop, in order to avoid putting strain on your neck.

Alternative medicine for computer-induced medical problems has also been shown to be effective, notably acupuncture.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=23248650 |year=2012 |last1=Khosrawi |first1=Saeid |last2=Moghtaderi |first2=Alireza |last3=Haghighat |first3=Shila |title=Acupuncture in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial study |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=1–7 |pmc=3523426 |journal=Journal of Research in Medical Sciences}}</ref>

* Eye exercises: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet or 6 meters away for 20 seconds).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=20-20-20 rule: How to prevent eye strain |url=https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321536 |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=www.medicalnewstoday.com |language=en}}</ref>

* Lower the brightness: Avoid eye-strain and headaches by dimming your screen slightly.

* Daily physical activity: Balance sedentary time with regular exercise.

==See also==

* [[{{annotated link|Computer vision syndrome]]}}

* {{annotated link|Digital media use and mental health}}

* [[Keratoconjunctivitis sicca]]

* {{annotated link|Dry eye syndrome|aka=}}

* [[Musculoskeletal disorder]]

* [[Effect of Computers on Sleep|Effect of computers on sleep]]

* [[Glaucoma]]

* [[Ergonomic hazard]]

* [[Screen time]]

== References ==

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[[Category:Human diseases and disorders]]

[[Category:Ergonomics]]

[[Category:Occupational diseases]]