Is Your Workstation Ergonomically Correct?
By Stephen R. Farris
With more and more people working remotely these days, back pain can still pose a problem even from the comfort of your own home -- unless your home working space is ergonomically set up the correct way.
It doesn't matter if you're working from home or in an office environment, making sure your work space fits you the right way and is safe on your back, neck, and joints is probably easier done on paper than in person. Most employers have conformed to a more ergonomically correct office environment, making sure their employees have a physically safe and comfortable workspace.
After all, they want their employees to be both productive and happy. Unfortunately, not everyone has jumped on board throughout the decades. Some employers are still under the mindset that as long as their employees have a desk to work from and a chair to sit in that's all they should provide. Budgets cuts have also taken their toll on ergonomically better workspaces in the last few decades as well.
With opportunity in hand, now may be the best time to make some changes at home, or hit up your boss at the office and move towards a better ergonomic work environment. Your back will thank you!
Table, Desk, or Kitchen Island?
You have to have a place to set up your desktop personal computer (PC). A table, desk, or even your kitchen island could work, but a desk would be a more suitable workspace, plus you don't have to worry as much about food or drink spilling on your keyboard. So the kitchen might not be the best spot. Make sure your workspace is set up to where you're not reaching for things in order to reduce any strain on your back. Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure you set up your work environment in a place where you can keep interruptions at a minimum.
Break Often
So you've got your desk set up, a comfortable yet ergonomically designed office chair, and you're making sure to practice good posture. Now it's time to schedule when to take breaks throughout the day. If possible, try to get up and move around after working for about an hour, two at the most.
If you do begin to feel aches and pains in your back, neck, and joints, visit your local chiropractor to get the pain relief you need so you can stay working without down time.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Melbourne, Fla.