Is your desk causing your pain?

Is your desk causing repetitive injuries?

If we sit at a desk for most of the day, many pressures are exerted on our bodies which can lead to repetitive injuries. This damage is caused not only to our skeleton but also in the areas where our muscles and tendons are repeatedly stretched awkwardly causing aches or even pain.

Sometimes, this can get so bad that further and more serious conditions can result. In some cases the sufferer will end up needing to take time off work to recover, only to return and repeat the injury.

This modern day problem we suffer is because our bodies are not actually designed to sit for long periods of time. If our chairs are not properly supportive of our spines we can end up sitting uncomfortably. Hunching over our computer keyboards is another way that we subtly cause stress in our upper back and shoulders.  That — and texting!

Long periods on the telephone, which some people hold between chin and shoulder while they work is also a big problem. This can also lead to slumping in the chair, causing the spine to curve awkwardly.

Larger companies are usually aware of these issues and ensure that their staff enjoy adjustable chairs. However, sometimes smaller companies or home office workers don’t even realise that some simple changes in the layout or configuration of the workspace could be all that is needed to improve matters. For instance, repetitive injuries can be sustained just by twisting to reach a badly positioned mouse day in and day out could result in severe arm pain. 

It is absolutely key therefore to not allow any awkward movements to further damage the flexibility and mobility of the delicate joints in your back. More importantly, it could compound the problem and cause more serious damage to result.

Not only am I a qualified Osteopath but I also have a passion for working with home office workers or small business owners. Having been specially trained in this field, I am able to make comprehensive ergonomic assessments of the work place. I also make recommendations for any changes and give specific advice to prevent repetitive injuries. It is important to note that minor and ongoing damage to the body might be so subtle that the body gradually gets used to the discomfort and accepts that as normal. That means that it creates a false baseline and is not registering the pain even though the messages are being sent to the brain.

I can help you

• Adjust your chair properly
• Position your monitor properly
• Use your work tools more safely and efficiently

Creating a safe and comfortable working area is critical to maintaining good posture, keeping your spine properly supported and enjoying a pain free and productive day at work.  Keeping active is also key – Tips for Desk Workers gives some ideas on how you can keep yourself moving between the times you are sitting!

If you want to know how, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you.  Meanwhile, I’ll be writing a series of short posts on how you can help make small changes to your workspace which can help reduce your risk of injury