Improper workstation setup can wreak havoc on the body, especially for those sitting at a desk for extended periods. Whether you work from home or in an office building surrounded by coworkers, creating a safe environment for your body to move freely and correctly is vital to your health.
Chiropractic care can help you achieve this goal.
This post goes over the following:
Conditions caused by a poorly designed workstation
How to create a safe workstation no matter where you are
Chiropractic solutions to heal injuries associated with a poorly designed workstation
Ways to keep your body safe while sitting for long periods
And more
If you work at a desk or on a computer regularly, read on to learn how to get and maintain an efficient body so you can function at your best.
Conditions & Symptoms Related to an Improperly Designed Workstation
Most of us spend over a third of our lives working, so if that’s you and it involves sitting at a desk for a large portion of your week, you want to ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your body protected.
A poorly set up workstation can create several imbalances and pain points that can interfere with every aspect of your life.
Common symptoms and conditions associated with a poor workstation setup include:
Shoulder pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Postural dysfunction
Sciatica
Soft tissue imbalances and injuries, such as inflammation
Arthritis
Spine and joint injuries
Reduced focus and productivity
Lethargy
Whether you work 9 to 5 at a desk, write for a living, are an active gamer, or anything in between, you don’t want to allow your body to suffer and pain to arise. By adhering to a properly created workstation, you can help keep your body fully functioning.
How to set up your workstation correctly:
Use an ergonomic chair and keyboard- Your chair back should follow the curvature of your spine and provide good lumbar support. If you don’t have an ergonomic chair, use a pillow or towel behind your lower back to take pressure off the spine. Your keyboard should allow you to keep your wrists in their natural position; this will help you avoid carpel tunnel problems.
Secure proper chair height- You want your feet to lay flat on the floor or a footrest, and your knees should be level with (or just below the level of) your hips. Use a stool if needed to make sure you can create this position.
Create the right monitor setup- Your monitor should be about an arm’s length away, and the top should be about 2 inches above eye level. Make sure you can see it well to avoid eye strain and unnatural sitting patterns from moving too close.
Use correct arm placement- Your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle, the forearm parallel to the floor, the elbows kept in toward the side of your ribcage, and your wrists should be level at the keyboard, not bent up.
This workstation design should naturally keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your neck and back (spine) straight and alert, encouraging correct posture and reducing strains on the body and eyes.
Chiropractic to Reduce Pain Caused by Your Workstation in West Chester
Chiropractic services are a safe and effective way to support your joints, soft tissues, and spine. They offer methods that enable the body’s natural healing process so you can function better, reducing postural problems and correcting movement patterns that have impacted your body.
At our West Chester chiropractic clinic, we provide a full-body assessment, determine where injuries or imbalances are, design a chiropractic care strategy based on your needs, and give you the tools to help keep your body protected while at your workstation going forward.
Chiropractic solutions we offer that can improve comfort include:
And more
It’s important to note that not only do you require a supportive workstation setup if you sit for long periods, but you should also be sure to get some movement in throughout the day. Doing so will encourage strength and flexibility and help reduce your risk of discomfort.
Tips to keep your body safe while working at a desk include:
Get up and walk around every half hour for a couple of minutes
Stand and stretch your back, hips, legs, neck, and hands regularly
Stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks
Never skip your lunch break
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Wear comfortable shoes that support you
Remember your posture and correct it as needed (put a timer on your phone to remind yourself)
Your quality of life shouldn’t be interrupted by pain. Let our team help. Schedule with our West Chester chiropractic clinic and get the body you deserve so you can focus on more important matters.