Proper keyboard placement is vital to ensure an injury free workplace.  I see patients on a regular basis in my San Diego based chiropractic clinic who suffer repetitive stress injuries because of bad placement of their computer keyboards and mice.

When I perform ergonomic evaluations for my patients I am often shocked at the way they have their work areas arranged.

The following are simple suggestions for keyboard use that will help you prevent injury.

1. The keyboard should be placed directly in front of you
2. The keyboard should sit on a surface that places it at the height of your elbows as they hang naturally by your sides.
3. The keyboard should be within a range that allows for your shoulders to be flexed 10 to 30 degrees with your elbows bent between 90 and 100 degrees with your wrists in a neutral position.
4. Your keyboard should not be tilted toward you but rather away from you.  This is referred to as a negative tilt.
5. Wrist rests often create another pressure point that is un-necessary and therefore is not recommended.
6. The computer mouse should be at the same level as the keyboard or slightly higher.
7. Computer mouse pads like the Ergo Nav are recommended to reduce the stress of reaching for the mouse.  If you can’t get a device such as the Ergo Nav you should minimize your reach for the mouse as much as possible.

By following some of these simple suggestions you can help yourself avoid painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and tendonitis.  Having the ability to implement all of these suggestions is great but even acting on a few of these will be of benefit.