CHAPEL HILL, Mo., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. physician says back, neck, head or hand pain can characterize what he called laptop-itis.
Dr. Kevin Carneiro of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine says use of a laptop can cause debilitating physical problems -- mostly due to poor posture because the keyboard and monitor can't be positioned independently.
"When you use a laptop, you have to make some sort of sacrifice," Carneiro says in a statement.
Most laptop users end up with incorrect neck or shoulder posture, he says, which can lead to muscle pain in those areas.
For frequent laptop users, Carneiro suggests a docking station that links a laptop to another keyboard and monitor. For instance, a stand can raise the screen to a higher level, and a FireWire or USB cable can connect the laptop to an extra monitor or keyboard, which can be adjusted to the proper height.
An external mouse in which the wrist and elbow are supported can help avoid hand aches.
