{"id":58781,"date":"2025-01-30T23:56:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T23:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/som2nypost.com\/alternative-medicine\/using-a-laptop-riser-to-prevent-upper-back-and-neck-pain\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T23:56:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T23:56:16","slug":"using-a-laptop-riser-to-prevent-upper-back-and-neck-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/som2nypost.com\/?p=58781","title":{"rendered":"Using a Laptop Riser to Prevent Upper Back and Neck Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"


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People are spending more and more time in front of a screen, both for work and leisure.\u00a0 As an osteopath I always ask patients about their desk set up and computer use. A desk top computer, when properly set up is the best option ergonomically. However, many people prefer the convenience and size of laptops due to work patterns or lifestyle. I see this a lot with consultants, home-workers, students and hot-deskers.<\/p>\n

I always recommend that anyone who uses a laptop for more than 2-3 hours, raise their laptop so their eye level is approximately one third down the screen. This is particularly important for people who are prone to shoulder and neck pain or lower back pain.<\/p>\n

Why are Laptops Bad for Posture?<\/h2>\n

We position our head so that our eyes are in the best position to see the screen. If a screen is lower than eye level (as in the case of a laptop), we move our head down and forward so our eyes are optimally positioned. This causes a hunched posture which leads to tight muscles at the front of the neck and chest. It also reduces the naturally supportive curves in our necks and lower backs.<\/p>\n

When people are absorbed in work, surfing the internet, social media or whatever they are using a laptop for, they are usually completely unaware of how they are sitting. Our bodies tend to be very good at accommodating and ignoring poor posture, and it is usually only after prolonged laptop use that neck and back pain comes on.<\/p>\n

How Can Raising Your Laptop Help?<\/h2>\n

When you raise your laptop so your eye level is approximately one third down the screen, your head will naturally move up and back. You will feel more comfortable and upright with your chest held more open. Of course there are other considerations to achieve optimal desk posture (see this blog post<\/a>), but raising your screen is a very good start.<\/p>\n

How Do I Raise My Screen?<\/h2>\n

Budget option<\/h4>\n

\"Laptop<\/p>\n

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  1. Stack up a pile of books under your laptop until your eye level is approximately one third down from the top of the screen.<\/li>\n
  2. Connect a wireless or USB mouse and keyboard<\/li>\n
  3. Bingo! You have created your own desk top set up using a laptop<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Laptop Riser or Laptop Stand<\/h4>\n

    There are many laptop stands on the market for all budgets. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider the following things when deciding which one to purchase:<\/p>\n