Anterior:
Pertaining to the front side of a body part.

Bicipital tendonitis:
Also known as bicipital groove tendonitis, this painful condition results from the inflammation of the biceps tendons attaching to the scapula. One head of the biceps brachii passes through a groove in the humerus which can be easily sprained if the upper arm is suddenly moved out of its natural position.

Biomechanics:
The application of mechanical forces to living organisms and the effect/interaction of the force on the body or system.

Cant:
To orient or position in an angular fashion—other than true horizontal, vertical or square

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
Paresthesias (pain or numbness), affecting the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.

Chair, Ergonomic:
A chair that is adjustable enough to be fit to your anatomy. If it doesn't fit you and keep you in the correct posture, it is not ergonomic. It may be for someone else, but if it doesn't address your postural or biomechanical needs it is not ergonomic for you.

Ergonomics:
An applied science that coordinates the design of devices, systems, and physical working conditions with the capacities and requirements of the worker. Generally applied to prevent and reduce occupational injuries.

Ergonomics Inc.:
Reducing worker injuries and associated cost, while increasing productivity and performance. We apply a multi-disciplinary approach to human performance issues which includes: design, engineering, biomechanics and methods analysis. In the process, we also help our clients become self sufficient in addressing ergonomic issues and in maintaining a healthy working environment.

Ergonomist:
Professionally certified as CPE (Certified Professional Ergonomist) they are educated in the field of ergonomics and use ergonomics principles to redesign work tasks, workstations, tools and equipment to reduce/eliminate causes of occupational injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Some only train others in ergonomic principles, some only do research, some only do worksite analysis / studies. The most well-known ones actually work with people and companies to reduce occupational injuries by fixing bad workstations, tools, equipment and tasks.

Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfers Elbow):
Inflammation of the tendons connected to the epicondyle (lateral/medial bony prominence - elbow) of the humerus and surrounding tissue. Generally associated with excessive wrist flexion, wrist extension, wrist deviation and forearm rotation.

Extension:
The movement by which both ends of any part are pulled apart (e.g. elbow extension—the arm is completely straight).

Extremity:
Upper, refers to one or both arms. Lower, refers to one or both legs.

Flexion:
The act of bending the position of the bones in relationship to a joint. (e.g. elbow flexion—bending the wrist/hand towards the same shoulder).

Glare Screen or Anti-Glare Screen:
A glass, (plastic or "net" (some polarized), which attaches to a monitor in front of the screen. Said to eliminate glare but really doesn't. Monitor Visors are more effective. See equipment critiques.

Herniated/Bulging Disk:
Protusion (hernia) of the gel-like fluid contained in the vertebral disks. Can affect localized area and if causing pressure on a nerve will affect the nerve pathway. Symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness.

Keyboard Tray:
A platform which mounts under the desk like a drawer to hold a keyboard and pointing device. Height, tilt and lateral slide adjustable. Effectively reduces arm and shoulder pain due to a high keyboard (on a standard desk top). See equipment critiques.

Monitor Visor:
A "baseball cap" for monitors to keep downward and sideways light from washing out the screen. Like a baseball cap it shades the monitor allowing you to see better. Greatly reduces eyestrain. Even makes games easier to play and spreadsheets easier to see. Much better than a glare screen—cheaper too! See equipment critiques.

Paresthesia:
Partial loss of sensation (e.g. tingling).

Posterior:
Pertaining to the back side of a body part.

Pronation:
Rotating forearm palm down.

RMI:
Repetitive motion injury.

Sciatica:
Any painful disorder extending from the hip down the back of the thigh and surrounding area.

Supination:
Rotating forearm palm down.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOC):
Compression of the nerves as they exit the thorax (shoulder/torso) into the arm. Numbness, tingling and/or pain in the hands/arms can result.

Telephone Neck:
Pain in the neck/shoulder from "clamping" the telephone handset between neck and shoulder (frees up hands to type). Characterized by extreme pain in the neck and shoulder. Can lead to pain down the arm or down the back. Can pinch main blood arteries running up the neck and restrict blood flow to the head. Violinists have been known to pass out from holding violins in the same position for hours. However, we know of no phone users who have passed out from using a phone. This condition is easily addressed with a headset. See equipment critiques.

Tendonitis:
Inflammation (swelling) of the tendons within the tendon sheaths. Burning pain can result.

Tenosynovitis:
Inflammation of the lubricating sheaths (surrounding covers) of the tendons in the hand, wrist or forearm. Burning pain can result.

Trackball:
A stationary computer pointing device in which the user rolls a ball to move a cursor on a screen. A good alternative to the mouse if arm pain is present. Completely eliminates grip and reach problems. See equipment critiques.