If you’re one of those people who feel stiff at the end of the day when sitting at your desk or who has chronic upper back pain, you’re not alone. Over the last few years, research has shown that sitting at a desk hunched over a computer can cause repetitive injuries that can leave you in a lot of pain, sometimes even necessitating surgery.
The good news is you can avoid such problems by getting up and walking around frequently. You also can take note of the following tips to alleviate any pain or stiffness that you may currently experience.
1. Sit Up Straight and Push Back Your Shoulders.
Remember when adults told you not to slouch? They were right as it’s bad for your back. Rolling your shoulders back so your chest thrusts forward eliminates back and shoulder pain from hunching forward. Place support in the lumbar spine area to help your posture. A lumbar support also prevents your back from curving in the opposite way and causing additional lower back pain and strain.
2. Place Your Feet Flat on the Floor.
Many people tend to cross their legs or even sit with one leg underneath them. Doing so can hamper blood flow and leave you with the sensation of your leg falling asleep or getting pins and needles. Crossing your legs occasionally is okay, but doing so for the whole day can produce pain. Be aware of where you place your feet.
3. Make Sure Your Eyes are in Line with Your Computer Screen.
Looking down or up at your screen puts strain on your neck, leaving you vulnerable to a host of cervical spine problems. Headaches can also develop. A simple fix is to put books under your monitor if you need to raise it or make sure your chair is at the right height.
Proper office furniture selection and installation can go a long way towards comfort. Contact Office Innovations for help on configuring workstations, selecting ergonomic furniture and making sure chairs and desks are the right height for each employee in your office.
