Spine Universe Editorial Board

Professor Hedge directs the new Human Factors and Ergonomics Program (HFEP). Research focuses on understanding how to create environmental conditions and ergonomic design criteria for healthy and productive workplaces. Using field experimental approaches and environmental and worker survey methods it considers how indoor air quality impacts on worker performance and health, and how this is modified by organizational policies and environmental design modifications.
Alan Hedge, PhD, CPE is on the Spine Universe Editorial Board.

SpineUniverse articles from Alan Hedge, PhD, CPE

• Are You Sitting Comfortably? How Your Chair Can Cause Back Pain
  There is no single best ergonomic chair. But there are questions to answer to help you determine if the chair is right for you.
• Back Care and Standing Work
  Back injuries account for 1 in 4 occupational injuries involving days away from work. Do you do a lot of standing at work? This article discusses how you can minimize your risk for injury during long periods of standing.
• Back Care for Dentists and Surgeons
  Doctors and Dentists are not immune from back pain related to being on their feet all day. This article outlines some ways that health care professionals can tackle their back pain head on.
• Back Care for Nurses
  Nursing easily tops the list of occupations that are most associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This page has information and statistics discussing the importance of back care in nursing.
• Back Care for Sitting Work
  Sitting has become a way of life for many Americans. Because we sit so much, it is necessary to be aware of the importance of sitting in a proper chair to keep your back pain free.
• Back Care on Airplanes
  Are you a frequent flier? Taking a long plane ride soon and worrying about comfort? This article gives practical tips that will help you to look after your back and make your journey a little more comfortable.
• Computer Screen Choice and Placement: Ergonomic Tips to Avoid Neck and Shoulder Pain, Eyestrain and Headaches
  Ergonomic suggestions to help you avoid neck and shoulder pain, eyestrain and headaches while working at a computer monitor.
• Driving and Back Care
  Numerous studies show there is a connection between driving and back pain. You can help prevent back pain by implementing some of the suggestions for modifying your vehicle's seat.
• Ergonomic Guidelines for Computer Workstations - 10 Steps for Users
  Creating a good ergonomic working arrangement is important to protecting your health. The 10 steps in this article are a brief summary of those things that most Ergonomists agree are important.
• Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Use
  What works best for you is what you find most comfortable an easy to use in a neutral posture.
• Ergonomic Tips to Choosing and Using Laptop Computers
  Current laptop and notebook computers suffer an ergnomic design flaw; the keyboard and screen is connected. An expert provides users with many tips for a healthier neck and hands during use.
• Ergonomic Tips: Computer Use by Senior Citizens
  People of all ages can benefit from the computer use tips presented in this article by Dr. Alan Hedge.
• Ergonomically Designed Computer Products: Are All Beneficial?
  Keyboard, mousing, writing and viewing documents on a computer monitor require different height adjustments for an optimal ergonomic work space.
• Mattresses Matter: Ergonomic Guidelines
  Read this exceptional guide from Cornell University's Ergonomics Department before choosing your next mattress and pillow. Includes clinical data about the impact of a mattress in reducing or preventing spinal pain.
• Postural Risk Factors for Back Injury
  A research project done at the Cornell Dairy on postural risk factors for back injury in the workplace.
• Save Your Back with Sleep
  Did you know that the average person spends approximately one third of their life in bed? A good mattress will allow you to maintain the same natural spinal alignment that you have when standing. What to look for when buying a new mattress.
• Workstation Ergonomic Tips: Computer Monitors and Posture
  Properly positioning the computer monitor and posture are key ergonomic considerations when setting up a workstation.
• Workstation Ergonomics: Guidelines for Computer Use by Children
  Is your child's workspace neck and back-friendly? Like adults, kids can develop back pain, too, especially if they sit at the computer for too long and with improper posture and ergonomics. Teach your child these easy ways to avoid back and neck pa
• Workstation Ergonomics: Keyboard and Computer Use
  Ergonomic's expert, Professor Alan Hedge, provides many tips to help you set up your workstation to help avoid back and neck injury.
• Workstation Ergonomics: Take a Break!
  All ergonomists agree that it is a good idea to take frequent, brief rest breaks from computer and desk work.