Basic Ergonomic Tips for Working From Home

Many of us are working from home thanks to the pandemic. While remote work definitely has its benefits, it’s sometimes easy to overlook proper ergonomics in your home office setup. And that’s what can lead to strain, discomfort, or even injuries. Here, your chiropractor Hilliard, OH offers a few quick tips on practicing good ergonomics at your home workspace. 

Use a desk and office chair.  

There might be a temptation to lounge on the couch all day with your laptop. But it’s not a good idea. Working from a couch or plush chair tends to make you slouch, potentially leading to back or neck pain. It’s a far better idea to use a proper desk with a supportive office chair. Ask your local chiropractor Hilliard, OH for more insights about ergonomic office equipment. 

Adjust your chair for maximum support.  

Adjust the seat height so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Your feet should be resting flat on the floor, or on a footrest. Adjust the seat’s back portion (if you’re able) to provide as much mid- and lower-back support as possible. And feel free to call your chiropractic Hilliard, OH office for more information about the proper chair settings for your remote work. 

Position the keyboard and monitor properly.  

When you’re using your keyboard, your forearms should be parallel to the floor. Your wrists and hands should be in line with your forearms. Bending too much in these areas can cause pain, or even carpal tunnel syndrome. Ask your chiropractic clinic Hilliard, OH for more details. 

Your computer monitor should be placed about an arm’s lengths away from your face. This will reduce eye strain without tempting you to lean forward to view the screen. And remember to take breaks to give your eyes a rest. Your chiropractic care Hilliard, OH can provide more insight on this. 

Sit up straight.  

It’s one of the simplest tips, but one of the most effective. Sit up straight while you’re working, rather than slouching down or hunching over. Staying in these positions for extended periods can cause muscle strain. If that happens, you might need your chiropractic solutions Hilliard, OH help to get your spine back in alignment to reduce discomfort. 

Position things around you strategically. 

Whether it’s a pen and paper or your phone, place things that you’ll need to grab often within close reach. You don’t want to twist, turn, and stretch to reach for things you need. That’s how strains and injuries happen. If you can’t reach something from your seated position, get up rather than trying to push it. Ask your chiropractics Hilliard, OH for their advice on a great and functional desk set-up. 

Take stretch breaks.  

Throughout your workday, schedule breaks so you can stand up and stretch. It’s not good for your body to sit all day long—be sure to get out and get some physical activity. Consult your chiropractor Hilliard, OH for advice on easy stretches you can do in the comfort of your home office. 

Are you suffering from back or neck pain thanks to long hours at your desk? We can help you to feel better again. Set up a consultation at your chiropractic Hilliard, OH office today.