I’ll bet you didn’t even know keyboarding was dangerous?  Well it is!!  Treacherous.  Okay, I may be exaggerating slightly but truly, there is a right way and a wrong way to work your keyboard.  It’s such a common activity these days since just about every job requires the use of a computer that it may not be something you have spent much time thinking about. Not maintaining good keyboarding practices are sure to wreak havoc on your wrists.  Poor posture in your spine and your wrist results in stress and even compression on those very delicate and important nerves.  It’s something that could be easily avoided with a little knowledge and effort. Let’s look at the best way to keyboard so that you preserve the healthy joints in your wrists you have grown to love and count on.

• Sit with your feet flat on the floor.  If you don’t have an adjustable chair, perhaps you could obtain a footstool to accomplish this.
• Make sure your wrists are parallel to you elbows.
• The top of the monitor should be level with your eyes and about 20-28” from your face.
• Use a wrist rest only when taking breaks.  These can be purchased at any office supply store for minimal money.  Keeping your wrist still while typing will create pressure problems among other things.
• Keep your elbows in when typing.
• Avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time.  This will create over use stress and that leads to things like carpal tunnel.
• Exercise and stretch your wrists and hands periodically throughout the work day.
• The keyboard should be as flat as possible as opposed to angled.
• Choose a chair that supports you well.  Lumbar support is very important in maintaining good posture so choose your chair wisely.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and down and chin back.
• Finally, use a document holder to keep your work at eye level.  Your neck will thank you!

It’s not hard to avoid some pretty uncomfortable situations with your upper extremities if you know.  Now you know.