In the last few years, the field of computer ergonomics has transformed from a curiosity to a necessity. In an era when far fewer office workers were spending entire days sitting at a computer, proper posture and ergonomics were largely the province of the self-conscious and the overly concerned. Today, of course, that could not be farther from the case.

Until recently, even the most mundane office jobs typically required employees to leave their computers periodically. Ironically, the short walks down the hall or across the floor--motions that computers have helped eliminate outright --were saving us more trouble than they were causing. That's because even a minimum of physical motion can break up the relentless repetitive stresses that we endure while sitting and typing.

Why Computer Ergonomics Matter

While the pressures placed on our muscles and joints while we are at the computer are admittedly low-level, the cumulative effects can be exceptionally dangerous. Carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic back pain are just two of the common consequences of working at long stretches without breaks or proper computer ergonomics. That's why it is so important to learn as much as you can about this critical workplace risk now, before it is too late.

If you know where to look, you can avail yourself of expert guidance for far less than you might have imagined. A decision to do so will be one you never regret. A decision to ignore the dangers of improper ergonomics, on the other hand, could be one of the worst mistakes you ever make.