Ergonomics

Ergonomics is is the science of work, simply defined as an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. This applies to everything we do like sitting in a chair, using computers, driving a car, working on a table; for example architects use a slanted table, sports equipment for the athlete, etc.

The issue is REPETITIVE STRESS causing an injury that occurs due to recurrent overuse or improper use of activities; most common are carpal tunnel wrist and low back injuries. Lesson to learn here is to be on the lookout for life and work situations were we endure repetitive movements than can break down the body tissues greater than the body’s ability to repair and restore the damage.

Tips for Improving Posture through Ergonomics

1. Get up and move, change positions frequently like taking a break from sitting in an office chair every half hour for two minutes in order to stretch, stand, or walk; or some 5 minutes every hour.
2. Keep the body in alignment, even weight distribution, while sitting in an office chair and while standing. Also be aware of and avoid unbalanced postures such as leaning to one side, hunching the shoulders forward, crossing legs unevenly while sitting or tilting the head to one side.
3. Use posture-friendly ergonomic office chairs when sitting. Footrests, portable lumbar back supports, or even a towel or small pillow can be used while sitting in an office chair and while driving.
4. Be aware of posture and ergonomics at work, home, and play by making conscious connections between episodes of back pain and specific situations where poor posture or ergonomics may be the underlying cause of the pain.
5. Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or bicycling will help the body stay aerobically conditioned and help prevent injury and promote good posture. There are also specific exercises that will help maintain good posture.  Download these POSTURE EXERCISES.
6. Wear supportive footwear when standing, avoid regularly wearing high-heeled shoes, and when standing for long periods of time, place a rubber mat on the floor to improve comfort.
7. Remember to pay attention to ergonomics and posture. It’s all about learned focus.
   8. Build ergonomically safe physical environments and work spaces to personalize the work space, home, and car, but the payoff will be well worth it.
8. The spine is designed for movement so when there are signs and symptoms of back or neck pains, have the sine evaluated by a chiropractor, the spine specialist.

Know the warning signs of back pain caused by poor posture. Back pain may be the result of poor ergonomics; such as after a long day of sitting in an office chair in front of a computer, but not on weekends; or pain that comes and goes for months is a decent warning of problems, so don’t ignore it.

Yours in Health,
docMIKE