Poorly designed workstations are on the rise, and aches and pains are becoming the norm because of it. For those tied to a computer screen, making numerous phone calls, or partaking in any profession requiring sitting for hours a day, we’re talking to you.
While some may be part of this trend due to a newly set up remote workstation, others, have had compromising workspaces at their office for far too long.
What most may have yet to consider is that chiropractic care can help you get the support your body needs, give you the tools to keep your body safe, and even provide guidance regarding your workstation setup.
This article is giving you the ins and outs of:
- Injuries that may occur due to an improperly designed workspace
- How chiropractic can benefit your workspace and help you live pain-free
- Chiropractic treatments that help you find balance and comfort
- Chiropractic-approved ways to set up your workstation
- And more
Read on to learn all about it…
Injuries Due to Inadequate Workstations
When our bodies become desensitized to improper movements and posture based on habitual patterns, they underperform, and tissue, joint, and spine imbalances eventually become normalized.
In some cases, the constant pressures on the wrong areas become so regular that moving the body properly becomes difficult, impossible, and painful. For instance, if you sit with your shoulders rounded forward and have done so for hundreds (even thousands) of hours of your life, pulling them back to their proper placement will likely be challenging.
There are numerous injuries and symptoms that may arise due to your workstation setup, including:
- Inflammation
- Back pain and low back pain (lumbar pain)
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Soft tissue injury
- Spinal disc injury
- Joint injuries
- Sciatica and hip pain
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fatigue
- Lack of focus
- Mental stress
- And others
If you feel these symptoms at any time, working or not, they may be due to your problematic workstation. These issues can range in severity and significance, so it’s always responsible to seek chiropractic care as soon as you start to notice them, and if that time has long passed, now is as good a time as any.
The benefits of chiropractic care are many; some include:
- Improved posture
- Improved comfort
- Improved movement patterns
- Improved flexibility
- Improved productivity
- Enhanced energy
- Improved focus
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- And others
With simple steps that increase the function of your workspace, you can significantly increase the function of your body (and mind).
Chiropractic Solutions for Pain Caused by Poor Workstation Design
Your local chiropractor will comprehensively analyze how your body is functioning, moving, and performing. It’s important to treat the cause of your symptoms, not just mask them. A wellness strategy will be designed around you, your injury, and your needs, goals, and abilities.
Common chiropractic solutions to injuries related to poor workstation setup include:
- Chiropractic adjustments, including Diversified, Cox Flexion Distraction, and Activator Technique
- High-intensity laser therapy
- Electric muscle stimulation
- Ultrasound therapy
- Lifestyle, postural, and movement guidance
- Take-home exercises and stretches
- And others
These methods work together and complement each other, so several may be applied to your unique treatment plan.
Proper Workstation Setup & Advice from Rose Chiropractic
We’ve put together some tips to create a safe workstation, whether you work from a makeshift office in your home, a home office, or an office office.
Tip 1: Make sure your desk is high enough that your arms can rest comfortably at the sides, with forearms parallel to the floor.
Tip 2: The top of your monitor should be at eye level to avoid neck strain.
Tip 3: Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with your thighs parallel to the ground.
Pro tip: Don’t cross your legs or ankles or sit on your feet or legs. If your feet don’t reach the floor, use a footrest.
Tip 4: Your low back and spine should have support; you can use an ergonomic chair or a pillow behind the back.
Tip 5: Hands and wrists should be neutral, so keep your keyboard and mouse close, and make sure your mouse fits your hand and is in good working condition.
Tip 6: Keep your monitor at a distance that doesn’t strain your eyes and create a space with good lighting.
Pro tip: Ensure your eyes, glasses, or contacts are working at their best with annual visits to the eye doctor.
Other pro tips to include in your workday and space setup:
- Take a break every 30 minutes. Get up, stretch, walk around, grab some water or a snack. This isn’t only good for your body, but it gives your mind and eyes a rest too. At home? Go pet the cat. At the office? Share a joke with Joe. These will give you a dose of happiness and emotional stimulation, and who couldn’t use more of that?
- Add de-stressors to your workspace. Think pictures of the kids or friends, a houseplant, artwork, a noise machine, an electric candle; you get the idea: if you like it, add it.
- Find a comfortable temperature while you work. That’s easy at home, but at the office, you may share space with people who run hot, so the a/c is super low. Bring a blanket, a heating pad, your favorite mug for all that hot coffee, etc. If it’s the opposite, wear less (but still appropriate) clothing, bring in a fan, keep ice water close by, etc.
- Keep your chin slightly tucked to improve posture and spinal balance. Remember, the neck holds a portion of the spine, so keeping it stacked will help keep it safe.
Visit Rose Chiropractic Center for Workstation Fixes
If you want more advice about your workstation setup and how to keep your body fully functioning throughout your workday, Rose Chiropractic Center is prepared to be of use. We want to help you find the comfort and movement your body deserves. Our solutions are safe, natural, and effective.
If you’re ready to find balance, comfort, and focus through a properly designed workstation, let’s connect. Contact our Aurora chiropractic team today, and we’ll get you booked.
Derek Rose
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