Sitting at a desk or performing repetitive tasks for 40 or more hours a week is common in most workplaces. Compared to standing, “sitting decreases lumbar lordosis, and increases low back muscle activity, disc pressure, and pressure on ischium.” (p1) These musculoskeletal changes are all associated with occupational low back pain. It was reported that at some point in their life about 80 percent of adults experienced low back pain.2 Low back pain is the most common job-related disability and is a primary contributor to missed workdays. Since low back pain has been proven to be a concern of many people it is important to provide preventative techniques to reduce the possibility of suffering from the pain. Prevention can be done through specific
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The goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries associated with overuse muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. When working at a desk an upright chair that has good lumbar support should be used.8 The computer monitor should be positioned so head and shoulders are relaxed and the mouse should be close to your body to reduce strain on shoulders and neck. Maintaining correct posture while seated for long hours should assist in eliminating the pressure placed on the spine, reducing lower back pain.8 A study from Human Factors examined postural change on sedentary desk workers on decreasing low back pain.9 The study found that an intervention that can stimulate the worker to move throughout the day was most beneficial.9 The best interventions found in the study, that did not negatively affect productivity, were sit-stand tables and software reminders to make a posture change. Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to stress on muscle groups and the intervertebral discs; therefore being able to change positions frequently is the most beneficial.9 A sit-stand workstation allows employees to adopt a variety of good postures throughout the day by reducing pressure on vertebrae and increasing circulation. The benefits of proper workstation ergonomics will prevent low back
The goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries associated with overuse muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. When working at a desk an upright chair that has good lumbar support should be used.8 The computer monitor should be positioned so head and shoulders are relaxed and the mouse should be close to your body to reduce strain on shoulders and neck. Maintaining correct posture while seated for long hours should assist in eliminating the pressure placed on the spine, reducing lower back pain.8 A study from Human Factors examined postural change on sedentary desk workers on decreasing low back pain.9 The study found that an intervention that can stimulate the worker to move throughout the day was most beneficial.9 The best interventions found in the study, that did not negatively affect productivity, were sit-stand tables and software reminders to make a posture change. Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to stress on muscle groups and the intervertebral discs; therefore being able to change positions frequently is the most beneficial.9 A sit-stand workstation allows employees to adopt a variety of good postures throughout the day by reducing pressure on vertebrae and increasing circulation. The benefits of proper workstation ergonomics will prevent low back