Beyond Workplace Ergonomics
By Sara Butler
If you spend time behind a desk for several hours a week, then you know about the importance of workplace ergonomics. It’s important to set up your workstation in a way that's healthy for your body in order to prevent back and neck pain as well as body imbalances. But you shouldn’t let the importance of workplace ergonomics overshadow the other things in your life that you can do to support a healthier posture. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind for your spinal health!
When You’re at Work
If you want to simplify ergonomics in the workplace, then just think about neutral angles. Raise your monitor to eye level so you are comfortable looking at it all day. If you have to stick a phone book underneath it to achieve a comfortable angle, then that’s what you should do.
Everything you use frequently should be within easy reaching distance. You don’t want to spend time reaching or twisting during the day since that will eventually lead to problems for you.
When You’re Sleeping
There are different ways to sleep, but the only information you really need to retain is that stomach sleeping is bad for you. Really bad for you. It causes you to turn your head to one side all night, which is unhealthy for your neck and your lower back because it doesn’t help support the natural curves of your spine as you sleep. You should try to sleep on your back if possible since it’s the healthiest position for your back, with side sleeping coming in at a close second.
Utilize pillows as you sleep, too; place one under your knees or between them. This helps to take the pressure off your lower back and shoulders as you snooze at night.
When You’re Doing Everything Else
Everyone’s activities differ over the course of the day, but there are a few things that hold true for everyone when it comes to posture. Spinal issues are most often the product of repetitive movements, so staying keenly aware of the things you do over and over again on a daily basis can help you understand the action that may be causing your physical discomfort. Small changes can be discussed with your chiropractor at The Joint to help you resolve any issues you may be having.
Focusing on workplace ergonomics is a step in the right direction, but it’s not the whole story. You can’t practice good posture at work but neglect it in every other aspect of your life, so talk to your chiropractor to find out things you can do to improve posture in all areas of your daily life!