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When the pandemic hit, many of people started to work from home. Fast forward a year or so and remote work seems to be the new normal. But most people are still working from the cobbled-together setups they started with. Over the last year, We have seen a marked increase in patients suffering from neck pain, back pain, or headaches related to poor ergonomics and improper setup.
Now it’s time to make remote work more efficient and posture-friendly. That starts with ensuring your work from home setting is streamlined and functional. To work continuously during all those hours of online meetings – your work environment also needs to be ergonomic.
“Ergonomics refers to the layout of a desk and everything in your workspace, so your body maintains a healthy posture and position.”
Good ergonomics in your workspace can prevent common injuries. Spending hours a day in a poorly designed workspace can cause neck pain, backache, headaches, joint problems, and poor posture. Proper ergonomics makes you feel better and more efficient.
Here are 5 tips to make sure your work area is ergonomically correct:
1. Good Working Posture The number one priority of ergonomics is to establish a good working posture. It would be helpful to sit or stand in a neutral body position with a relaxed posture that doesn’t require stressful angles or excessive reaching to complete tasks. Standing is an excellent counterpoint to sitting for long periods. 2. A Designated Work Area If you are spending time working from home, you should set aside an area specifically for work. This way, you don’t have to worry about ergonomics every time you sit down to work. Arrange your ergonomic space once, and it will help you become more efficient. 3. Adjustable Chair and Desk To encourage your body to maintain a neutral posture, you should buy an adjustable chair and equipment. The more adjustable positions of the chair and desk, the more they can be tailored to the individuals using them. In terms of ergonomics, one size obviously won’t fit all. 4. Keyboard and Mouse Position The proper configuration of the keyboard and mouse is also essential. Reaching for input devices can cause excessive fatigue and injury after prolonged exposure. You should place the keyboard and mouse where you can access them without violating any neutral positioning rules. Besides, both devices should be tailored to the people using them. “Flexibility is the key.” 5. Proper Display Height and Distance When using monitors and other display devices, keep them level with your eyes. When viewing a display, you should not strain your neck or squint your eyes. Ergonomics dictates that people do not have to turn their necks left, right, up, or down to view a display.
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The Takeaway
Spending hours in front of the computer every day can cause stress to the body. Stretching your wrists, slouching, and straining to view poorly placed monitors can lead to cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive stress injury. Using the suggested body mechanisms and stretching exercises can help you work from home successfully.
When you need an amazing chiropractor Contact us today! Shimer Chiropractic, PC is dedicated to your overall health and well-being, which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.
