Whether you work from an office or in the comfort of your own home, proper ergonomics while sitting at your desk are crucial to your health and wellbeing. 

By definition, ergonomics refers to the study of people’s efficiency in their work environment. This definitely is twofold. On one hand, it can mean habits and everyday practices that affect your workplace productivity, either positively or negatively. On the other hand, it can have more to do with the physical aspect of working, which is what a chiropractor would be more interested in — things like placement of objects on and around your desk, the amount of which you sit and stand, and how you sit and stand. 

If you work in an office setting, you know how difficult it can be to pay close attention to your posture all day. Let’s be honest, the majority of people definitely slouch over their keyboard, laptop, desk, etc. and sit for too long of a time period. This can all wreak havoc on your bones and joints, causing pain (back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, etc.) that can become worse over time and lead to other conditions. 

At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, your favorite family chiropractor in Plantation, we take proper ergonomics very seriously, as it can certainly have an affect on your spinal alignment. When you visit our office, not only will you get the chiropractic adjustment you need to alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be feeling and keep your health well maintained, but our team is also here to offer tips for how to maintain your alignment when you are not at the chiropractor.

What you do at home or in the workplace is directly connected to your chiropractic visits. For example, you’re experiencing aches and pains in your neck and back and suspect it’s from sitting at your desk all day, every day, and not sitting up straight. You may feel wonderful after getting adjusted, but if you go right back to your old ways, you will find yourself right back where you started. 

Don’t let the aches and pains win! Here are Dr. Gena and Dr. Jordan’s best pieces of advice when it comes to proper ergonomics in the workplace: 

• Practice the 90-90-90 Rule. This means that your knees, elbows and hips should all be at 90 degrees. There should be no rounding forward and no leaning to one side or the other.

• Make sure that your computer screen is at eye level or higher to encourage sitting tall, versus slouching forward or tilting your neck downward. If your desk is not tall enough to ensure this, use a prop, like a stack of books or some kind of stand, to help lift the computer or laptop to the proper height.

• Position the screen of your computer or your laptop so that it is facing you straight on, rather than having it tilted or rotated to one side or the other. This keeps your head and neck in a neutral position, and helps maintain your posture.

• Choose a desk chair that is at a height that both allows your feet to rest flat on the floor and your thighs to be parallel to the floor. You may also consider replacing your chair with an exercise or stability ball.

• If talking on the phone is a typical job task for you, use a headset instead of holding the phone. This keeps your head and neck aligned in a neutral position, and avoids the need to hold the phone with your neck crooked to one side.

There is more advice from where that came from — all you need to do is ask. Our team is always here to answer questions, offer advice, and do whatever we can to help you feel and function better. Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help. Call us at 954-417-5815 to schedule an appointment.