Why do you need a laptop stand?

Laptops are not designed with musculoskeletal health in mind. Their low screen height often pulls your head and neck into forward flexion, increasing the load on the cervical spine, even a 15-degree tilt forward can double the strain compared to a neutral position. This posture also encourages rounded shoulders and a flexed thoracic spine, placing continuous tension on muscles like the rhomboids, middle trapezius, and thoracic extensors, which can lead to stiffness and fatigue.

As your upper body leans forward and your head tilts down, small postural stabilisers such as the semispinalis capitis, splenius cervicis, and upper trapezius must work harder to stabilise the head in this misaligned position. These muscles are not built for sustained load, and overuse often leads to discomfort and persistent tightness.

Using a laptop stand can significantly reduce this strain by raising the screen to eye level or slightly below, which:

• Keeps the cervical spine in a neutral position.
• Encourages upright, stacked posture through the spine and shoulders.
• Reduces the muscular workload required to maintain head and neck alignment.

This small change can have a big impact on reducing cumulative musculoskeletal stress.

Adjusting your laptop stand

• Adjust the stand height
  ‍Position the laptop so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This prevents neck strain by keeping your head in a neutral position. If your stand is adjustable, take the time to find the height that feels most natural and comfortable.

• Use an external keyboard and mouse
  Pair your laptop stand with an external keyboard and mouse to keep your arms and wrists in a relaxed, natural position. This prevents you from reaching awkwardly up to the laptop keyboard, reducing strain on your hands and forearms.

• Maintain good posture
  Even with the best setup, your posture matters. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, your back straight, and your shoulders relaxed. Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees for optimal comfort.

• Take regular breaks
  A laptop stand helps your posture, but movement is just as important. Take breaks every 30 minutes to stand, stretch, and reset your body. Simple stretches can do wonders for relieving tension and keeping you energised.

Using a laptop stand with the correct setup minimises these risks by promoting a neutral alignment of your head, neck, and spine. This minor adjustment can make a significant difference in reducing discomfort and improving your musculoskeletal health.

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