Common Workplace Ergonomic Mistakes

Do your neck and back ache after sitting at your computer all day?

Have you gone from working in an office chair to working remotely from your couch?

While many of us enjoy the luxuries that come with working from home, it turns out that not using the proper chairs and desks often leads to stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Working from your couch feels comfortable, but it can cause problems if you do it for too long. Before you know it, you're rubbing your aching neck as you close your laptop wondering how you are going to make it through the rest of the week.

Many people think that these pains are unavoidable and are just a symptom of office work, or getting older. What if we told you that these symptoms can be prevented or reduced by practicing smart ergonomics?

What are common ergonomic mistakes?

1. Incorrect positioning of desks and chairs: When you're seated at your desk, the goal is to look straight ahead and avoid tilting your head up or down. You can do this by keeping your monitor at eye level, adjusting your chair so your desk height is at or below your elbow angle, and keeping your screen at least twenty inches away from your face.
   
2. Sitting for too long: Studies have shown that sitting for too long has many harmful health risks. Some of these are weight gain, varicose veins, and stiff muscles. You can combat these health issues by intentionally standing up and moving around at least once an hour. Increasing your standing time and incorporating more movement in your daily life will help reduce or prevent these health risks.
   
3. Not utilizing arm supports: These are often overlooked because people tend to focus more on desk and chair positions, but arm placement also plays in a key role in preventing neck and back injury. Some ways you can support your arms are by using soft, padded desk attachments, keeping your keyboard and mouse at the same level, or opting for adjustable keyboard stands and gel mouse pads for additional support.
   
4. Not seeking chiropractic care: While the following are all great practices to prevent neck and back strain, you may already have done some damage. Years of poor posture can cause strain to accumulate in your neck and back, often resulting in misaligned vertebrae.

Most people do not begin to consider their spinal care until the damage has already been done. Practicing smart ergonomic principles is a proactive way to ensure a pain-free, high-quality life. Take these steps to prevent any further strain from occurring and prioritize treating your symptoms now before they become debilitating.

Ease Neck Pain with the Help of Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

These tips can help relieve pain symptoms, but seeking chiropractic care will fix the problem. Come to Pivotal Chiropractic for a complimentary consultation. You do not need to commit to treatment on the first visit. Contact us here or call (734) 221-0362 if you are ready to get rid of your neck pain.