4 Tips for desk workers in Winnipeg from your Chiropractor.
There are dangers in everyday life, from slipping in the shower unfortunate winter driving surprises. The risk doesn't end once we are safely behind our desks, because… sitting is potentially harmful to us!
Our computer, desk, office chair and keyboard are not our friends. We spend hours each day sitting, typing, staring at the computer screen, and this inactivity is wreaking havoc on our health in a variety of ways.
Neck, Shoulder and Back pain can be caused by sitting.
We should all pay more attention when it comes to select the right chair carefully. Most of us cause excess stress and pressure on our neck, shoulders, and back from the way we sit in poor office chairs.
According to experts, a person who spends time at their computer needs to choose an adjustable chair that supports the back, buttocks, legs and arms. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day as well. An ergonomically adjusted chair minimizes the occurrences of awkward, strained positions that frequently cause injury.
Along with the way we sit, our office jobs are harming us because…
We have our desks laid out wrong
Even with a great chair, a desk that is the wrong height can cause us to move repetitively, reach and bend awkwardly during the day and injure themselves. Anyone who sits behind a desk needs to make sure it is the right height to reach the computer keyboard comfortably, and all necessary supplies are within a comfortable reach. Add a footrest to decrease the stress on the lower back. Ergonomically positioning a desk offers greater comfort and less stress on a person's body.
We also put extra stress on our neck, arms and wrists when we type
Misusing the keyboard can cause a ton of painful conditions from neck and back issues to carpal tunnel syndrome.
The keyboard should sit at elbow height. Reduce the strain on your hands by keeping them in as natural a position as possible, holding your wrists up even with the backs of your hands. Avoid banging the keys by typing softly, which alleviates the stress on your fingers.
A computer mouse should be situated close to the keyboard, and it's essential to keep the hand in a neutral position when using it. Avoid resting your hand on the mouse for an extended period, also aside from an ergonomically correct chair and desk. Ergonomically minded mice and keyboards can ease pressure and tension on our wrists, elbows and hands.
Not taking breaks
According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting for long periods is linked to a variety of serious health concerns from obesity to high blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Sitting in the same position for hours can put pressure on and result in back and neck pain.
Break up sitting every 20 minutes by standing and walking around and stretching if possible. Even standing for a couple of minutes at a time lessens the impact of a sedentary job. A beneficial position is the Brugger position. This position and posture if done every 20 minutes or so can go a long way to helping avoid and alleviate chronic and repetitive stress on your neck, shoulders and spine.
In addition to taking the initiative to build ergonomic office space, choosing to participate in chiropractic care is a great way to help eliminate pain from back, shoulder, and neck strain. Chiropractic treatment involves adjusting the spine, along with other techniques, offering better alignment in particular and a stronger, healthier body in general. A long-term benefit of chiropractic care is a body that enjoys greater mobility and fewer aches and pains.
Ergonomic office setup is critical in maintaining a good posture that minimizes strain and repetitive motion injuries. By investing in ergonomically tailored furniture and setting it up to suit your specific needs, you will lessen the harm an office job does to your body.
If you or a co-worker in Winnipeg suffer from back, neck or arm pain related to an improperly positioned workstation, give us a call.
