Laptop hunch and why it happens
We know you shuddered when you read those words. Laptop hunch – if only it was your computer having good intuition. But no, also known as laptop posture or tech neck, laptop hunch refers to the poor posture that can occur when using a laptop for extended periods without a well-designed ergonomic workstation. Here's how laptop hunch can impact your health, and just after, tips on how to avoid it!
1. Neck and Shoulder Strain:
A laptop by design is portable – ideal for propping on that inflight table or perching on the bar of your favourite café. But doing the odd hour or so of work on your laptop out and about is very different to working at it day in and day out at your place of work. Here it needs to be ergonomically positioned at the correct height, otherwise you’ll be looking down at its screen for way too long. This leads to a forward head posture, and the dreaded laptop hunch which strains the muscles of the neck and shoulders and can cause all kinds of discomfort and musculoskeletal issues.
2. Upper Back Pain:
The hunched position that results from using a laptop outside of an ergonomic set up can cause serious upper back pain. Rounded shoulders and a slouched posture put excessive stress on the upper back’s muscles and joints, leading to pain, stiffness and potential spinal misalignment.
3. RSI and Wrist Discomfort:
Those who type on a laptop keyboard that is positioned too low or on an angled surface face an increased risk of developing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The awkward hand and wrist position can lead to sprains, inflammation and even reduced functionality.
4. Eye Strain:
Laptops generally have smaller screens which require you to to lean in closer, hunching your shoulders and straining your eyes. The closer proximity and smaller text size can lead to eye fatigue, blurred vision and dryness, all symptoms of digital eye strain.
5. Poor Posture Habits:
So maybe your posture wasn’t great to start with. But we can assure you that prolonged laptop use without proper ergonomics will only reinforce poor posture habits. If you’re keen to avoid spinal misalignment, chronic pain, decreased mobility and potential long-term musculoskeletal issues, help improve your posture by setting up an ergonomic workstation. You’ll thank yourself effusively in both the short and long term (and actually still be able to pat yourself on the back!)
