How do you feel sitting at work??
Spending long hours sitting in front of a computer screen reading, typing and mousing can lead to a number of different injuries if you are not proactive about prevention. These injuries are known as musculo-skeletal disorders or MSDs. Common office MSDs include: Hand and wrist tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, neck/low back strain/pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), tingling, weakness, shoulder tendinitis/bursitis, hip pain/bursitis and eye strain, to name a few!
What should I do about my work environment?
Our own Jorge Villalobos, Ergonomic and Industrial Medicine Specialist, recently gave a workshop on the dangers of being the “Sitting Professional” and how to combat the disorders and stresses that come along with it.
What are some causes of MSDs?
Although equipment can be helpful, it is not 100% of the solution for common MSDs. To reduce the risk of MSDs it is essential to consider all factors that contribute to cumulative strain.
● One size fits all equipment at work and at home
● Static work, home & leisure activity postures
● Poor physical fitness levels
● Physical fatigue
● More mental fatigue
So when does injury occur?
● Repetition: Repeating the same movements daily
● Fixed Positions: Static Loads: Consistent load in one position
● Awkward Positions: You know who you are
● Force: Increased Pressure at different points (Mechanical Stress)
Image courtesy of Career Employer.