This post continues the theme of my last one in discussing how an office job can impact your back and possible injury.
For those who’ve never suffered with a back injury it can be difficult to imagine the major issue it can be for those that suffer with it. It can come and go but when present the impact can be unbearable. So this post offers some advice in prevention only – once you have a back injury you should seek the advice of a professional immediately.
Ergonomics is a relatively new concept that really began to take shape and become significant once the computer age was upon us. So many of us come into work and spend our days at a desk typing away on a computer. While the work you do may be bringing in a good paycheck and make your boss happy it may not be so good for your health, and in particular, your back.
The more work you are given and the more hours you spend doing that work the more repetitive actions you put into play. Typing is one of them, as is moving your mouse around for your computer and clicking it, as well as talking on the telephone. There is plenty of mental and psychological stress involved in many office jobs but these repetitive tasks can also lead to physical stress on the body.
Studies have shown that the number of repetitive strain injuries suffered by office workers has increased greatly over the past two decades as result of the technology and equipment used in the workplace. Not only is it used so much but we also rely on it each and every day to do our jobs.
If you are one of the millions of people who finds your way to an office every day then you know all about how workplace technology has changed the way we do our jobs and how it can contribute to stress, strain and injury on the back, shoulders, neck and fingers, not to mention how it can strain the eyes.
To make your work a little bit easier and to reduce the strain on your body there are some simple things you can do.
Consider the computer monitor for starters. The screen should be placed on the desk directly in front of you, not too far but not too close either. Your eyes need a rest from staring at the screen so make sure you treat them with tender loving care. Give them the relaxation and the break they need by putting the 20/20/20 rule into action – for every 20 minutes of work take a 20 second break from the screen by looking away and focusing on an object that is at least 20 feet away from where you are sitting.
Are you one of those people who wants to talk on the telephone and yet continue to type on your keyboard? You may think that this multitasking is helping you to get your work done faster but cradling the phone between your ear and your shoulder is placing strain on your muscles that you do not need or want!
To prevent feeling pain and tightness later on talk on the phone without typing on the computer. Use your hand in such a way that it will support the telephone receiver when it is against your ear. It is also wise to alternate the sides you use to talk on the phone with frequently. If you cannot break yourself of the cradling habit or if you really want to talk and type at the same time then get a headset or a speaker and save out back and neck!
Just employing these two useful tricks can avoid complications later. Try and see – and remember it takes 30 attempts to break a habit so it may feel awkward at first but eventually will feel natural.
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 