Great article by Dr Lauren Botter Osteopath on home ergonomics and how to set up your desk, table and computer at home.
We have already started to see many patients come in to the clinic due to working from home. Increased stress, and poor home working environments mean increased arm, neck and upper back pain, headaches and migraines.
- ENVIRONMENT
Creating a separate space at home dedicated to work is important. This can help with productivity and reduce distractions that may come with working in a different environment.
A dedicated space or room in your house for working hours that has; natural light, fresh air/good ventilation and limited outside noises and distractions are great spaces to set up your workstation.
- DESK AND CHAIR
Choose a chair that has a high back, good back support and adjustable chair height. Your chair height should be adjusted so your feet are sitting flat on the floor or on a footrest and your knees at 90 degrees. Please ask us for any advice regards chairs at home, we can recommend one that suits you.
You can use a rolled up towel or small cushion behind your lower back to provide support if your chair at home doesn’t have lower back support or you can’t get a new one.
Your knees should be able to fit under the desk with space between the two. If your desk is too high you can always lift your chair and use a footrest to allow your feet to be supported.
- MONITOR/SCREEN
Your monitor should be directly in front of you at eye level. If you use a laptop you can prop up your screen with books or boxes for example to adjust the height. We recommend you get a larger screen than a laptop if you can, it means you don’t lean forwards to see, and its more relaxing for your eyes. This will help prevent headaches and neck pain.
- KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
If you have access to a separate keyboard and mouse this is ideal to use. Have them within easy reach so your arms are close to your body, resting comfortably on your desk and elbows approximately at 90 degrees. Consider getting a vertical mouse, these are a lot more ergonomic, they reduce tension in your arms and shoulders. We can recommend a few, please just ask.
Osteopath Blackburn Osteopathy
