Whether you are evaluating websites, browsing the net, or coming to grips with new software, it is important to consider those issues which can affect your health. It is far too easy to become engrossed in online activities, to the detriment of your back. Many of the risks can be minimized in a work environment by your employer fulfilling his legal obligations and providing you with the appropriate equipment and rest periods to help you reduce the more obvious risks. But often it is in your home environment where you are most vulnerable. So here five handy tips to reduce some of the more inherent risks to your back from computer use.

1. Get yourself a comfortable chair. Try to use a secretarial type chair that is adjustable in height and on rollers or castors. You should ideally be able to adjust the height and the rake of the chair back to give you adequate lumbar support. If like many people, you do not have an adjustable secretarial chair in your study or bedroom, then place a pillow or cushion behind you to give you that added support.
    
2. Make sure that you have adequate support for your feet. This becomes particularly important where your feet cannot touch the floor whilst you are seated, without you sitting at the edge of your chair. Since few people use footrests in a home environment, place your feet on a box or reams of printer paper. This will help to support your back as you are pushed back into your seat.
    
3. If you cannot place your monitor at a right angle to the window, then close any blinds or curtains to reduce reflection and glare. This will reduce the need for you to lean forward to see the screen - which is an unnatural posture.
    
4. Do not input data or sit peering at the screen for longer than 50 - 60 minutes without having some physical break from that activity. Get up and move around, even if it is only to make a cup of coffee or to get up and stretch. Remember the golden rule - 'Short frequent breaks before the onset of problems are better than long infrequent breaks after the onset of problems'
    
5. If you have persistent back problems seek medical advice. Today's twinge is tomorrow's' agony.

Remember you only have one back. Take care of it!