The last several years have revolutionized the way that many people work. The abrupt need for everyone to be home during the initial stages of the pandemic turned everyone into a remote worker overnight – and turned kitchen tables, and living room couches into workspaces. As restrictions and concerns eased, many companies and employees decided to make hybrid work situations permanent. This created a new workforce that had to develop ergonomic areas for working at home. Sadly, many never considered the adverse impact that poor posture resulting from improper working conditions could have. While a better work-life balance is healthy, many people still feel sore or achy at the end of a long workday. This is often because of long hours sitting at a desk or working on a computer in positions that don’t offer proper functional support. Individuals can relieve back and neck pain by creating ergonomic workareas and developing better posture habits while sitting.
The Art of Creating Ergonomic Workareas
During the pandemic, most people found utilizing temporary spaces to get their work done acceptable. Dining room tables became executive desks, and rec rooms became video conferencing areas. Now that the work-at-home model is official and far more mainstream, it is time to spend some money to ensure your workspace is ergonomic and supports your physical health.
Workers spend a significant part of their day sitting in a chair, staring at a screen, and using a mouse and keyboard. Investing in more appropriate equipment designed with ergonomics in mind should be a priority to protect spinal health. For instance, an ergonomic chair should support the spine, a mouse should fit in your hand correctly, and a keyboard should permit a comfortable and proper posture while typing.
Even when you have the right chair and your desk is at the right height, extended hours of sitting can put significant stress on the spine.
Therefore, a convertible sitting and standing desk is an excellent addition to their new ergonomic workspace. These desks are designed with a built-in riser that permits the user to alternate between standing and sitting – avoiding fatigue and ultimately alleviating the back and neck pain often resulting from long hours in a sitting position.
Angles are Essential and Good Posture is Vital
Once you’ve purchased all the necessary furniture and equipment for your at-home ergonomic work area, you need to determine how to set everything up in a practical and healthy way. That includes ensuring that the monitor is placed at a proper height and distance, permitting the user to view the screen without craning their neck – while reducing and minimizing eyestrain.
It is also essential to remain aware of one’s sitting position in relation to the desk or work surface. Proper sitting posture involves sitting in a neutral position, with the chair supporting the individual’s back and both feet flat on the floor. In order to type at the keyboard with arms comfortably positioned with elbows close to the sides of the body, the keyboard should be placed at the proper height and distance. (Read more about ergonomic computer placement here.)
Poor posture – whether sitting at a desk or walking with shoulders slouched – can cause significant back, neck, and shoulder pain. Conversely, chronic pain from another source can cause poor posture. Regardless of how it happens, living in pain is unnecessary. Chiropractic treatment is the drug-free answer to your discomfort.
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota chiropractor dedicated to your holistic health and wellness. If you suffer from neck or back pain, pain in the extremities, or frequent headaches, call today for a consultation and treatment plan.
