When we’re comfortable and free from pain, we tend to be more productive and effective at work. Whether we sit at a desk all day long or work a job that requires manual labor, our physical health and comfort are hugely important. Nowadays, more and more people are working from home in less-than-ideal office spaces, which may be causing back pain, neck pain, and other discomforts that impact their work and productivity.

In order to make the most of your time in your home office, regular office, or other work locations, you need to explore ergonomics and make sure the space and equipment are working well for you. Our Bentonville AR Chiropractor has some tips for making your workspace better.

Making Your Work Space Ergonomic In Bentonville AR

To start out, consider where and how you spend most of your time. If you’re like most people, you’re sitting at a desk or table at a computer. You want to ensure that your chair is comfortable and supportive, but also allows you to move around easily, if needed. Your desk should be a good height for your chair and your body. Having it too high or too low can cause strain in the shoulders, wrists, neck, and back. Ideally, your feet can sit flat on the floor comfortably with your body at about a 90-degree angle. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor, and the top of your monitor should be at the same level as your eyes.

Hunching forward or leaning forward can cause neck pain, headaches, back pain, and more. Additionally, sitting in an uncomfortable chair or one that doesn’t offer lumbar support can cause discomfort and strain. Try your best to maintain a balanced and neutral position when working. Avoid crossing your legs or ankles, sitting on one leg, or leaning to the side. Be sure to get up and stretch frequently, and take breaks from staring at your computer screen.

If you use a computer mouse, make sure you are using your entire arm and shoulder to move it rather than just your hand and wrist. Make sure your wrist is relaxed and you are not resting your entire arm on the desk. You should also aim to use an ergonomic keyboard if possible. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, be sure to utilize a headset or headphones so that you’re not leaning your head to one side to hold the phone in place.

Maximizing Efficiency and Minimizing Pain

All of the above tips will not only maximize your efficiency while working, but you’ll also minimize the pain that comes from poor ergonomics. Improved posture is always going to benefit you in terms of reducing main and optimizing overall health, so be sure to make changes where you see fit to your work ergonomics. If you’re still dealing with pain or are struggling to overcome bad posture, seeing a chiropractor is going to help a great deal. Dr. Tom Niemela is a Bentonville chiropractor who has helped countless individuals break free from back and neck pain, in addition to finding relief from other ailments. To learn more about how chiropractic care can help you, contact Dr. Niemela and his team at Arbor Vitae Chiropractic.0020

Sources

Andrews, K. “Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics.”
https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/ten-tips-improving-posture-and-ergonomics?source=pop-block

Triano, J., “Office Chair: How To Reduce Back Pain.”
https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/office-chair-how-reduce-back-pain?source=pop-block.