For better or worse, a large chunk of our lives are spent working. Often, we spend more time at the office than we do at home (if you subtract the hours dedicated to sleeping). Therefore, we need to ensure that we practice good posture while we’re on the job. This will keep us healthy and pain-free all throughout our lives.

In this article, we’ll review the concept of ergonomics and the top 5 tips for keeping your posture perfect, even while you’re at work.

What is Ergonomics?

Generally speaking, ergonomics is the practice of moving with efficiency in such a way as to prevent injuries.

Office ergonomics has become a hot topic in the last few decades. Undoubtedly, this is a great thing that companies are now focusing on having their workers practice good ergonomic techniques.

After all, it’s much more expensive to deal with a worker’s comp claim and hire a new worker than to invest in sound ergonomic training and techniques for your workplace. Plus, who wants to suffer an injury at work, or anywhere for that matter? This can cause untold amounts of stress and other problems as the worker recovers. 

5 Ergonomics Tips for Everyone

No matter what line of work you’re in, you need to consider your posture and movements closely. If you move inefficiently every day, sooner or later, you will suffer an injury.

Therefore, it’s usually a good idea to have an in-depth ergonomics consultation with a qualified professional, such as a chiropractor or ergonomist. However, there are also some general principles that all workers should consider in order to keep themselves healthy at work.

Ergonomics Tip #1: Don’t Overreach

Many jobs will require repetitive motion, such as reaching for and placing objects in a certain location. If this applies to you, be sure that you use proper ergonomics techniques when reaching. If not, you may suffer from numerous injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders. 

One good option is to use a tool to limit overreaching. Hooks and other objects are made specifically for warehouse workers to combat this issue. There are other methods too, but whatever you do, be sure that you aren’t overextending yourself when reaching for objects. 

Ergonomics Tip #2: Sit and Stand Tall

Rounded shoulders can cause pain throughout the back and neck. This is true for both standing and sitting postures. Therefore, it’s important that everyone, regardless of their job, practice good, straight spinal posture. This will put stress through the spine in a way that the spine can tolerate.

Ergonomics Tip #3: Take Stretch Breaks

No matter what you do for work, you need to take breaks. Performing the same motion all day long without a break is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, you should be sure to take a few minutes (preferably every hour) to do some basic stretches and movements that will loosen up the tissues you’ve been working all day. 

Ergonomics Tip #4: Keep Your Body Strong and Flexible

“Stronger people are harder to hurt” has become a common mantra in today’s day and age. This sentiment is especially true when it comes to the risk of work-related injuries. It’s a simple concept, but it is undeniably true: the stronger your body is, the more resilient it will be.

Ergonomics Tip #5: Visit Your Chiropractor Regularly

Chiropractors are experts in pain relief and posture. By seeing your chiropractor on a regular basis, you ensure that your spine is in good alignment and that you’re giving your body the best possible chance to recover after injuries (or avoid injuries in the first place).

 

If you’re looking for ways to recover from and prevent pain, come see your Lithia, FL chiropractor at At Last Chiropractic. Book your appointment today!