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7th March 2006
Taking the pain out of going mobile
How to Prevent Portability Pains
As more business people across the region choose to use portable technology in their day-to-day work - like laptops, mobile phones and personal organisers - few consider the serious effects ‘going mobile’ can have on their bodies.
Mannie Babington Smith, a physiotherapist with Didcot-based Etcom People Engineers is seeing a rapid rise in clients suffering from pain resulting directly from using mobile technology.
“The long periods people spend working without taking breaks, sitting with their heads bent forward and shoulders hunched often triggers pain from the neck and shoulders to the wrists and hands or into the mid and lower back,” she says.
“Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of severe, long-term pain and physical disability and are considered one of the biggest health problems facing mobile workers today. I have seen numerous people who experience ongoing aches and pains from using laptops or mobile phones inappropriately or for long periods of time.”
Mannie Babington Smith is also concerned that using laptops, organisers and mobile phones too much or incorrectly will also increase repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and other soft tissue injuries, as people spend more time punching keypads or slouching over laptops.
“Many individuals discount the discomfort they feel until they are experiencing full blown symptoms of RSI,” says Mannie “and by then the problem is more difficult to resolve.”
Etcom People Engineers believes that good posture needs to be taught by professionals, which is why all the company’s training is undertaken by experienced, chartered physiotherapists. Many injuries sustained through ‘mobile technology’ can be prevented with improved work habits and posture.
“By training an individual, a company’s performance can be improved, at the same time, giving an increase in morale and loyalty,” continues Mannie.
“Around 70 per cent of people at work suffer discomfort or pain. This figure can be reduced significantly through proper training because you cannot work properly in pain. It produces mistakes and inefficiency.”
Physiotherapists from Etcom People Engineers have the knowledge and skills to advise on modifications to the work environment as well as giving guidance on improving work habits and postures.
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