Office Ergonomics

Posted on Nov 16, 2017


You’ve probably heard the term “ergonomics” before, but if you’re like most people you’re not quite sure what it is or what it means. Simply put, ergonomics is the science of fitting a workplace to the user’s needs. It’s meant to reduce discomfort while increasing productivity and efficiency.

What are some examples of office ergonomics that you might not think about everyday, but nonetheless affect your working environment…and your body?

For starters, how are desks arranged? Do people sit or stand at them? How high off the ground are the desks in the office? Are desk chairs adjustable? How are computer monitors arranged? Are people looking up or down at them all day? Or straight ahead? Ergonomics take questions like these into account, with the intent to make an office space comfortable for people’s bodies and their movements throughout the day.

If an office is designed well for the people who use it then people are able to maintain their flexibility and strength. They’re not putting too much stress on their muscles, ligaments, bones and joints if they work in a strategically-designed, ergonomically-correct environment.

At the heart of office ergonomics are two key things: posture and movement. Did you know that the human body can only tolerate staying in one position for about twenty minutes? After that, it can get mildly uncomfortable to downright painful. That’s why so many people feel the need to cross and uncross their legs, turn their heads to the sides now and then, and, when possible, get up and stretch throughout the day. When a person is forced to sit in one awkward position for a time that’s longer than 20 minutes, such as an airplane ride or at the local movie theater, they can easily develop back, neck, shoulder, leg and arm pains. You’ve probably experienced this for yourself!

Similarly, standing too long in one position can be rough on the body. Anyone who has ever stood in one spot on a concrete floor for more than twenty minutes without being able to move inevitably complained of back pain.

Here’s the deal: when your body is stuck in a prolonged static posture your soft tissues elasticity decreases. Stress takes over and you get uncomfortable.

It’s no wonder, then, that chiropractors encourage office workers to pay attention to their posture during the day, as well as their movements. For instance, sometimes all it takes is one person reminding another that they need to get up out of their seat and take a little walk in order to help that person feel better by loosening up.

Indeed, people are encouraged to move around often at office jobs in order to combat fatigue as well as to stretch. Smart ergonomics ultimately helps prevent workplace injuries and keeps people healthy and happy.

Submit a Comment

Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!