How often do you come home from your office job tired? How often do you come home from work with aches and pains? You would think that sitting in an office chair all day wouldn’t be that strenuous, but how we position ourselves during work has a significant impact on our comfort, and incorrect positioning can lead to chronic pain or make an existing condition like back or neck pain worse. At Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness, we dedicate our practice to reducing or eliminating chronic pain, and we know that using proper ergonomics can help you do that.
Total Chiropractic Can Help You Manage Work-Related Pain
We see patients seeking help managing pain for many reasons at Total Chiropractic. Some are suffering from pain related to car accidents. Others may be suffering from sports injuries. Still, others may be dealing with workplace injuries. Many things can cause work-related injuries. They certainly occur as a result of accidents, but some employees develop back problems as a result of the nature of their work.
According to Dr. Todd Goldman’s book, “Taking Control: An Informed Guide About How to Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate,” there are a number of jobs that can cause employees to be at risk for back pain. They include drivers who sit in a vehicle all day, health care workers who are on their feet all day, and office workers who sit in the same chairs all day, which can be problematic if the chairs are not designed well.
How to Make Sure Office Ergonomics Are Right
If you’re concerned that you have chronic pain due to ergonomic problems, the Mayo Clinic has several suggestions for making sure that your work station is set up properly. They include:
- Keeping your computer monitor at arm’s length from your position.
- Positioning your hands at or below elbow level and keep your wrists straight.
- Adjusting your chair height to keep your knees about level with your hips.
- Making certain you have a chair that supports your spinal curves.
- Keeping your feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
- Also, make sure your keyboard and mouse are within easy reach. Moreover, keep objects you use a lot like pens, and staplers close to you.
- If you use your phone a lot, consider getting a headset rather than cradling it between your neck and shoulder.
Ignoring these practices can cause big problems, according to ErgoPlus, one out of every three worker’s compensation dollars are related to musculoskeletal disorders. Good ergonomics improves productivity. The less fatigued people are, the more work they’re able to do.
Total Chiropractic Has Treatment Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries take many forms and Total Chiropractic will help you manage the pain. We accept worker’s compensation insurance plans for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other work-related injuries. In addition to using chiropractic techniques, we’ll discuss things like proper posture, ergonomic practices, diet, and exercises. Putting more thought into your daily routine can help you get closer to total wellness, and Total Chiropractic can show you how. Contact us today.