MEDICAL MINUTE^©
from the Texas Back Institute

You can prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) at your desk each day by using the correct equipment and a comfortable set-up.   If you have had strains in your neck, back, wrists or eyes, consider adding some ergonomically enhanced equipment to your workspace

Ergonomic Chair:  Adjustable, provides support for natural curve of your back (findone that allows you to reach the keyboard with shoulders relaxed, elbows at 90 degree angles and wrists straight)

Footrest:  If your feet do not rest comfortably flat on the ground with your knees at 90 degree angles, get a footrest designed specifically for this purpose or improvise by stacking a phone book or two.

Wrist Rests:  Use a keyboard wrist rest only as a reminder to keep your wrists straight and slightly elevated while typing; resting your wrists while typing increases strain through your wrists, neck and back.

Ergonomic Keyboard:  One keyboard variation splits the keys of the keyboard into two halves and turns the bottom of the keyboard into an arc, allowing your arms and wrists to rest at natural angles to your body.  Another keyboard variation is the DVORAK; it rearranges the placement of the keys so that the stronger fingers strike the most frequently used letters.

Anti-Glare Screen:  Fits over computer screens to reduce glare from lights or windows that causes eyestrain.

Eyeglasses:  If you find yourself craning your neck to get a better view of the monitor screen you may need to be tested for glasses that assist your mid-range vision. Somepeople need glasses solely for the purpose of computing.

"Having the right equipment and furniture improves your posture and positioning, which reduces muscle strain, and even if you have all the right equipment, it is still important to remember to take breaks to stretch and exercise," said Darran W. Marlow, D.C., a chiropractor with Texas Back Institute.

Texas Back Institute

As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients.   The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists.   From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening.

To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK.  Texas Back Institute's main office in Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com       

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK