[tomgreenlay]

I've had this problem ever since working full time. I'm currently an entrepreneur, and my job consists on working on a computer for 8-10 hours a day. However, whenever I'm on the computer for more than 3 hours, I naturally get a headache. The best way I could describe this headache is like the feeling you get when your exam is tomorrow and you have 20 sets of slide to read for the first time. It seems like the only way I could get rid of this feeling is through walking and talking to other people (even reading a novel wouldn't help). But even after I've done walking/talking and got rid of the headache, it returns when I return back to reading/ the computer.

I've lost lots of productivity because of this, and while I've tried to 'push through', I haven't been able to do so in a productive manner - is this common? How do I make this better?

Thanks!

[Fresia]

There can be a lot of factors that can cause this, especially if only finding it when using the computer:

1. Distance to and height of the monitor can cause strain:
2. Font size to small, enlarging it can help;
3. Consider getting vision checked; and
4. It is also important to take 5 minute breaks every half hour or 10 minute breaks every 45 to 50 minutes.

http://murphyod.files.wordpress.com/...ergonomics.jpg
http://colonychiro.com/office-ergonomics/
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/com..._monitors.html

I hope you find some help with it soon.

[hvert]

The tips above are good. Also try setting your monitor brightness as low as it will go-- I find that I get headaches from staring at a bright screen too long.

[music junkie]

Originally Posted by hvert

The tips above are good. Also try setting your monitor brightness as low as it will go-- I find that I get headaches from staring at a bright screen too long.

Great advice! This has helped me a ton. I keep that sucker down, & I have a privacy screen on top of that, which makes it just a tad darker.

For me, I also had to tell my boss that I was not going to be turning on the light right above my workspace. I'm a receptionist, & he feels like it should be on because when you walk in, my space is obviously what you see first. But it was giving me headaches, & I noticed that on Saturdays when I didn't have it on, I wouldn't get the headaches. Plus, there is a lot of natural light right in the front, as we have a big picture window, a large skylight above the entryway, & frosted glass along the door frame. It didn't make sense to me to have it on. Now he doesn't really mind that I don't turn it on.

[hvert]

I forgot about that! I always kept the florescent lights off -- I'm glad your boss backed down on that - it sounds like there is plenty of natural light.

[music junkie]

Originally Posted by hvert

I forgot about that! I always kept the florescent lights off -- I'm glad your boss backed down on that - it sounds like there is plenty of natural light.

Me too, I was really glad! He's a great guy to work for. He just gets stubborn about silly things like that sometimes

[tomgreenlay]

Thanks for the reply! I've followed the suggestions you guys gave, but unfortunately it hasn't helped. I've found that I only get this type of 'headache' when I'm reading something that I'm not interested in, or 'have to do'.

This headache typically lingers on until I go home and I watch a movie, for example. The best way I can describe it is a tightness around the head, but it feels different than the tension headaches I usually get.

[SmileHere]

There has been a study in Japan that said sitting in front of computer for five hours a day (or more) can cause depression, insomnia, etc. Apparently there have been studies about headache and other issues as well, you may try to google them up?
Why using a computer can cause depression | Daily Mail Online

Can you change your work so you wouldn't need to be in front of the computer for so long?
A walk inbetween would sound good too.

Could you find an interesting angle to the topic you're reading? Or give yourself mini-rewards? (To do something interesting or stretch and walk around a bit after you finish the allotted section etc. I'd say stay away from sweets and 'junk food' as 'rewards') I wonder if magnesium or fish oil would help any? Have you tried taking them yet?