Wherever your workspace is, chances are you aren’t in a healthy posture. To prevent physical strain and potential injuries, you should spend as much time as you can work in a neutral posture, a comfortable body position, and periodically move around to promote circulation.
We have put together a list of how working remotely has damaged your posture and how to fix it.
Six Ways Working Remotely Has Damaged Your Posture
1. Your Back and Shoulders Hurt
If you start experiencing pain in your shoulders and neck, your posture and the way you are sitting may be the cause. Most people have their monitor positioned low, which causes you to flex your neck and head forward and down. If your monitor is at the correct height, it will naturally be adjusting your posture. Position the monitor at eye level so that your neck and shoulders are in a neutral position. If you are working on a laptop, place your laptop on a table or desk that is preferably at elbow height.
2. Your Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are signs of poor circulation, and the ache is your body telling you that you are not working with good posture. Promote good circulation in your legs by adjusting the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the ground or use a footrest. That way, there is less pressure on your thighs, and the position helps with good circulation. Also, take periodic breaks every 20 minutes to move around and stretch out your muscles.
3. Your Wrist Hurts
If your wrists and hands aren’t in a neutral position, it can cause strain on the tendons that become inflamed and eventually develop a problem called carpal tunnel syndrome. Keep your wrists to be flat as possible and straight, so they are not bent left or right. Look for a keyboard and mouse that will keep your wrists neutral.
4. Your Back Aches
Leaning forward can put strains on your lumbar region, which can lead to back injuries. When you lean over for long periods, you increase the compression on your vertebrae that will cause backaches. Make sure your back is supported and not being strained when sitting. You want to get your body into the best neutral position by slightly reclining your seat to significantly decrease postural muscle activity and intervertebral disc pressure in the lumbar spine. If you are looking for quick and easy lumbar support, try using a rolled towel and put it behind your back to prevent inward bending.
5. Neck, Shoulders, and Headaches
Find a spot to work that is near an outlet for a lamp or natural light. If you experience poor lighting in your workspaces, you will end up craning your neck and straining your eyes. Position a table-top or floor lamp nearby if you have room and keep it turned on when you are working. If space is limited, consider a clip-on light you can affix to your monitor, laptop, or another nearby surface.
6. Prevent and Relieve Work from Home Pain
With gyms closed for a long time during the pandemic, many people have adopted a more settled lifestyle as COVID-19 has ruined our daily routines. Moving less can lead to weight gain and muscle loss while worsening existing muscle and joint pain. If you feel limber, simple exercises and stretches can help prevent neck, back, and joint pain. Set reminders on your phone to get up, move, and stretch every hour when you’re working. A quick walk around the house or outside and a few stretches will get the blood flowing, loosen your body, and refresh your mind.
Monitto Chiropractic in Asheville, NC
Sitting on your sofa, bed, or at your coffee table for months can cause crippling pain. The good news is that these problems can be treated by creating a healthy routine and good posture. If you are still experiencing aches and pains, Monitto Chiropractic can help restore and maintain your health. Contact us for a free chiropractic consultation and learn more about how you can improve your posture.