By Jeff Sheppard 14 Mar 2019 no comment 1104 Views

If you’ve recently switched to a desk job from a more physically active job, you might think your new position is going to be easy on your body.  It might sound relaxing to sit at a desk for hours, or spend your workday taking phone calls and sending emails.  But sedentary work can also take its toll on your body.  It’s insidious–these stresses sneak up on you as time goes on.  Suddenly you have an injury borne of hours, days, or years of cumulative damage.

Follow these tips to avoid common injuries for office workers.

To put less strain on your lower back, avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees.  If you feel the urge to indulge this habit, alternate sides regularly or cross your ankles.

Arrange your desk so the items you use most frequently are close to you, within arm’s reach.  You should not have to lunge or stretch to answer your phone or reach a tool you use regularly.

Computer monitors should be centered in front of you, positioned so the first line of text is at eye level. Keyboards should also be directly in front of you.

If you are referring to printed documents as well as a computer screen, lay out your papers to the side of your keyboard, or better yet, put them in an upright document holder so you don’t have to constantly raise and lower your head (a common trigger for tension headaches).

To prevent neck injuries, avoid cradling the phone receiver between your shoulder and neck.  If you regularly need to use your hands while speaking on the phone, use a headset or speakerphone.

Also, check out our tips for Safe Home Offices.  These tips apply to your workstation as well.

Since office work causes unique strains on the body, it’s important to see your chiropractor regularly for maintenance care.  Your chiropractor can address any subluxations or problems and prevent long-term discomfort.  If you haven’t got your next appointment booked, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.

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