What Can Be Done to Improve Ergonomics?
During your visit to Snyder Family Chiropractic, your Dr Snyder will ask some questions about your work habits and furniture. He will also make a few recommendations that will improve your workplace ergonomics. Depending on your symptoms, recommendations may include:
- Modifying Your Desk. Are your forearms parallel to your desk when you write or use the computer? If not, you may be at risk for developing back or neck pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a nerve that passes through the hand and arm becomes compressed. If you can’t swap out your desk, raising your chair and using a footrest will help keep your arms level, however you may also need to raise your monitor if so.
- Choosing the Right Chair. Chairs are a regular source of back, hip, and leg pain, according to Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Adjust the height of your chair if your feet aren’t flat against the floor. Dr Snyder says, “Your chair should support your back and offer ample cushioning and armrests.”
- Taking a Look at Tech. Neck pain can be a problem if your monitor is set too low or too high. Dr Snyder recommends the top of the monitor to be approximately 2 inches higher than the top of your head. Reflections from screens can cause headaches and migraines, in addition to neck and shoulder pain. Place your monitor away from light sources and using a monitor hood or shade to decrease glare.
- Using Useful Devices. Anti-fatigue foot mats reduce pain and fatigue in your legs and spine. Wrist pads keep your wrists properly aligned, while keyboard trays position your keyboard at the optimum height.
Making adjustments to your furniture and devices, while extremely helpful, may not completely eliminate your aches and pains. Luckily, Dr Jeff Snyder and Snyder Family Chiropractic can help you by:
- Aligning Your Spine. Bad posture may move the vertebrae in your back out of alignment. Misalignments, or subluxations, cause back and neck pain and fatigue. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr Snyder will adjust the vertebrae using one of his many adjusting techniques which improves the position of the vertebrae, easing your symptoms. When your spine is correctly aligned, you’re less likely to experience strains, sprains, and other injuries. Many of Dr Snyder’s patients also report overall health improvements after receiving their spinal adjustments.
- Loosening Tight Tissues. Your muscles and tissues become painfully tight when you maintain awkward positions for too long. Sometimes, tight tissues may pull your vertebrae out of alignment. Soft tissue therapy and mobilization therapies loosen tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments, easing pain, and improving flexibility.
- Improving Posture. It’s difficult to maintain good posture when your vertebrae are misaligned and your tissues are tight. Unfortunately, poor posture makes joint and muscle tension worse. Chiropractic care helps you improve posture and keep your body properly balanced. At Snyder Family Chiropractic we offer posture suggestions and recommend exercises that strengthen the core muscles essential for good posture.
- Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t just affect office workers. It can also be a problem if you drive a truck, use vibrating tools, or do work that requires repetitive hand motions. At Snyder Family Chiropractic we also treat carpal tunnel syndrome by using manipulation and mobilization therapies to improve the alignment of ligaments, tendons, and bones in your wrist.
Is your job literally a pain in the neck? Call or text our Phoenixville PA location at 610-935-5900 to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine: Workplace Ergonomics and Safety: Tips, Equipment, and Examples, 6/9/2023
American Chiropractic Association: Maintaining Good Posture
MedlinePlus: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome