Ergonomics

I often see patients who suffer from pain and discomfort due to poor ergonomics in their daily lives. Whether it’s from prolonged sitting at a desk or poor posture while using electronic devices, improper ergonomics can have a significant impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately due to the advancement of technology we are spending more and more time on electronics and ergonomics has become even more important than ever.

Ergonomics is the study of designing and arranging things so that people can interact with them more efficiently and safely. This can include anything from furniture and equipment to the layout of a workspace. When it comes to our bodies, proper ergonomics means ensuring that we maintain good posture and avoid awkward positions that can lead to strain or injury.

One of the most common areas where poor ergonomics can lead to problems is in the workplace. Many people spend long hours sitting at a desk, which can put a lot of strain on the neck, back, and shoulders. This can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as more serious conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and herniated discs.

To prevent these problems, it’s important to set up your workspace in a way that promotes good ergonomics. This might mean investing in an ergonomic chair and desk that can be adjusted to your height and posture. You may also want to consider using a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to stretch and move around.

Another area where poor ergonomics can be a problem is when using electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops. Many of us spend hours each day hunched over our devices, which can lead to strain on the neck and shoulders. This can lead to a condition us chiropractors refer to as tech neck. To avoid this, it’s important to maintain good posture while using these devices. This might mean holding your phone at eye level or using a laptop stand to bring your screen closer to your eyes.

Other common causes of poor ergonomics include lifting heavy objects, gardening, and even sleeping. To avoid strain and injury in these areas, it’s important to use proper technique and equipment, and to take breaks when necessary.

It is important to be mindful of their posture and ergonomics throughout our daily lives. By taking simple steps to improve your ergonomics, you can reduce your risk of pain and injury and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Dr. John Giusti, creating healthy habits at ChiroHabit 

Posted 4/10/2023