Reduce Workplace Pain And Become More Productive | Dr Euan Lawson

Using a laptop flat on a desk forces poor wrist angles and a downward neck crane, driving pain and tension headaches. An external keyboard/mouse plus raising the laptop so your eyes are level with the top of the screen tackles two major causes of discomfort immediately.

Sit with feet flat on the floor, thighs roughly parallel to the ground, weight on your sit bones, and shoulders relaxed. Every 20–25 minutes, quickly self‑check and readjust posture to stop the slow creep into a slumped, high‑strain position.

Working in 25‑minute focused blocks followed by 5‑minute movement breaks improves total output and reduces fatigue, back pain, and eye strain. A real break means standing up, walking, stretching, and looking away from screens—not swapping your PC for your phone.

While specific conditions like carpal tunnel (RSI Type 1) have clear medical treatments, vague, diffuse RSI (Type 2) often improves more from changing movement patterns, building core strength, improving posture, and practices like yoga than from endlessly swapping mice and keyboards.

Sitting at least ~50 cm from the screen, zooming text up instead of leaning in, and periodically looking at distant objects (20‑20‑20 style) help reduce dryness and strain. Artificial tears can be a simple aid during long sessions, especially if your eyes feel gritty or sore.