Is Working From Home Wrecking Your Back?

As COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out and the risk decreases, many workers will return to their normal workplaces. But some workers will continue to work from home long term and are finding it difficult – especially those without a dedicated, stable ergonomic office space from which to carry out their day.

While this in and of itself can be a pain, it’s also likely causing real pains in your back, neck and eyes.

As your partner in health, we’d like to provide a few work-from-home tips to help you thrive in your makeshift office space.

 1. Do you have to read documents for your job? Make sure you don’t read them from a flat surface—because that means your neck is hanging down. If you deal with paper documents or use an iPad for viewing, invest in a vertical document holder. Have an old music stand? That will also do the trick.

 2. Posture is important - sit back in your chair with your feet flat on the ground in front of you. We know, it’s tempting to work from your comfortable couch or recliner — but your back won’t like that after a while. If your feet don’t reach the floor when you’re sitting back in your chair, grab a few books and place them under your feet as support.  A physioball makes a great seat causing you to sit upright and engage your core muscles.
 
3. Standing desks may be all the rage but use them in moderation. Why? Standing puts more stress and strain on our circulatory system (as well as the feet and legs) than sitting does. The best option is to alternate between your chair and standing desk hourly.

4. Ditch the mouse pad with the squishy wrist rest. Having anything under your wrist can actually add compression on the carpal tunnel median nerve, leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
 
5. Make sure your screen or monitor is set up perpendicular to a window. This will help reduce glare from the light and minimize visual eye strain.
 
Do you experience episodes of back pain, neck tension or headaches that you just can’t seem to kick to the curb? We’re here to help. Contact us to book an appointment for an adjustment.

Would you like to find out if chiropractic might help with your condition? Call Dr. McKamey's office to schedule a consultation. 

Dr. Kevin L. McKamey of East Park Integrative Chiropractic

1340 Belmont Ave, Suite 504

Salisbury, Md.; 443-880-3830 

See original blog post here:  

https://www.shoplocaldelmarva.com/is-working-from-home-wrecking-your-back