For a Patient With Postural Dysfunction and Cervical Pain From Prolonged Computer Work, Which Work-Environment Modification Would Be MOST Beneficial?

• A. Raise The Keyboard
• B. Rest The Feet Flat On The Floor
• C. Lower The Keyboard
• D. Rest The Feet On A Foot Stool

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a neutral upper-body posture at the workstation is essential to reduce cervical strain during long computer work. Lowering the keyboard helps achieve this by putting the forearms and wrists in a parallel-to-floor, neutral position with the elbows around 90 degrees. When the keyboard is too high, the shoulders tend to elevate and the neck may extend or bend forward to type, which increases strain in the cervical spine over time. By lowering the keyboard, the shoulders stay relaxed and the neck remains in a more neutral alignment, which directly reduces the repetitive stress that contributes to cervical pain.

The other options don’t address this alignment as effectively. Keeping the feet flat on the floor supports overall posture but doesn’t correct the upper-body positioning related to typing. Raising the keyboard would promote shoulder elevation and neck tension, exacerbating postural strain. Placing the feet on a stool can alter leg and trunk alignment in a way that doesn’t help neck posture.