Workspace Posture

Workspace Posture: The benefits of an ergonomically correct desk.

Due to long-running COVID-19 lockdowns and persistent calls to work from home caused by ongoing outbreaks, the majority of Australians have spent the past three years working between home and office locations, with the risks to the health of those not working in ergonomically correct workspaces causing concern.  

Since the pandemic began there’s been numerous studies and surveys conducted by researchers, governments, organisations and healthcare professionals looking at the benefits and disadvantages of working from home. While results found that many have enjoyed the increased flexibility that’s improved their work/life balance; a major downside has been that with more people working in non-ergonomic settings, chiropractors are seeing a surge in patients suffering neck pain, shoulder stiffness, headaches and lower back pain. In my chiropractic practice, I have seen an increase in number for this exact reason!

New Normal

With hundreds-of-thousands of Australians now regularly working from home and many yet to adjust to their ‘new normal’, in launching the inaugural national Workspace Week (22-28 August 2022) the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) aims to address concerns that workers’ may be risking their spinal health and overall wellbeing if they haven’t adapted to their new workspace environments by adopting safe work habits.

Following the survey conducted by the ACTU which found 42% of Australians working from home did not have a suitable workstation or the correct equipment; and the Federal Government’s announcement in August 2021 that up to two-thirds of Australians were still working from home, the ACA developed new effective resources to help Australians maintain a healthy spine. 

What to do if you are in pain.

Those experiencing neck, shoulder, back pain, and headaches and those concerned about their spinal health when working remotely should contact me today to make an appointment. I can help you learn how to set up your workspace correctly so you can develop safe workspace practices and provide you with advice on exercise programs specific to your needs. 

By setting up your desk correctly using an ergonomic office chair, adjusting your laptop to eye level and positioning your knees slightly below your hips when sitting, and implementing positive spinal health habits including walking and spinal strengthening exercises you can help prevent potential physical injuries when working remotely.

For more information about Workspace Week, to download the Workspace Checklist and the free Straighten Up App visit workspaceweek.org.au. 

Watch this video to find out more about how to set up your desk correctly and keep your spine healthy whilst working from home.

 

 

REFERENCES

1. Baxter J., Brown L. 2021, ‘Two-Thirds of Australians Are Working From Home’, Australian Government, Australian Institute of Family Studies, accessed 17 June 2022, https://aifs.gov.au/media-releases/two-thirds-australians-are-working-home
2. Australian Unions, ‘Working From Home’, accessed 17 June 2022, https://www.actu.org.au/media/1449319/au_workingfromhome_p1.pdf