Back and neck discomfort is a common complaint, but how do you know when it’s more than just a temporary ache? Your spine is central to nearly every movement you make, and when something isn’t…
Working from home is a dream for many people. You get to avoid the daily commute, you can take your pajamas as formal attire, and you can spend more time with your family. However, working from home can also present some challenges. If you have to complete tasks that require long periods of sitting or typing such as working as an accountant or freelance writer, a home office can easily become painful and stressful.
Having an ergonomic workspace at home is crucial to avoid the pains and aches that come with hours of desk work each day. Here are some tips for creating an ergonomic workspace at home.
Why You Need to Set Up an Ergonomic Home Office
If you’re working from home, it’s important to set up an ergonomic home office. An ergonomic office is one that is designed to reduce strain on your body. This is especially important if you’re going to be spending long hours sitting or standing at your desk. Working from home can be challenging, but by taking care of your body, you can avoid pain and injury.
There are a few things you can do to set up an ergonomic home office. First, make sure you have a good desk and chair. Your desk should be the right height for you to work comfortably at, and your chair should support your back and allow you to sit with good posture. You may also want to invest in a standing desk, which can help reduce strain on your back and wrists.
Pay attention to your posture while you’re working. Make sure you’re sitting or standing up straight, and that your wrists are in a neutral position. If you start to feel pain in any part of your body, take a break and stretch for a few minutes.
How to Set Up Your Desk and Chair
Assuming you have a desk and chair already, the next step is to make sure they are the right height. You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your elbows close to your body while typing at your keyboard. If your desk is too high, lower it by removing the legs or blocks underneath it. If your chair is too low, try sitting on a phone book or adding a cushion. You may also need to adjust your backrest or lumbar support, too.
Get a Better Angle Over Your Keyboard
If you’re working from home, you may find yourself sitting in an uncomfortable position at your keyboard. To help alleviate some of the strain on your body, it’s important to take breaks and adjust your posture throughout the day. One way to do this is to make sure you have a good angle over your keyboard. This means that your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle when you’re typing. You may also want to invest in a separate keyboard and mouse so you can have more control over your position.
Support Your Lower Back
Your lower back is the foundation of your spine, so it’s important to keep it strong and healthy. Maintain good posture. This means sitting up straight with your shoulders back and down, and keeping your head in line with your spine. Make sure your chair supports your lower back and that you take breaks often to move around and stretch.
Diagnosis Underlying Causes of Your Back Pain
Having an ergonomic workspace at home is crucial for improving your health and helping you avoid back pain. Take care of your body and you’ll be able to spend more time with family and friends without pain.
If these steps do not improve your back pain, there might be an underlying cause. Schedule an appointment to be evaluated by our professional spine doctors. Contact Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery at (855) 853-6542 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.