Working from home doesn’t have to be a pain, but it literally can be if your workstation isn’t set up properly says Dr. Christopher Howson, pain medicine physician with BayCare Clinic® Pain & Rehab Medicine.
“When you go home and you leave that nicely situated cubicle or that office that you have, things can start to break down,” says Howson.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries to make decisions to try and keep people safe, socially distanced and healthy.
Because of that, more and more people are working from home, often not taking into consideration things like ergonomic office chairs, desks situated at the proper height and how that effects our bodies for long periods of time, Howson says.
While laptop computers and make-shift workstations may be OK for short durations, or a quick zoom meeting here and there, they generally are not ideal for 8 to 10-hour days, which is what many people have been forced into, Howson says.
“It’s a subtle change, but there are resources out there to help you set up a proper home office,” he adds.
Howson suggests thinking about your body position from head to feet when evaluating your workstation as it relates to a potential cause of pain.
Watch the video above for more details from Dr. Howson.
Dr. Howson’s tips for setting up a pain-free workstation
- Keep your computer screen at eye level to keep your neck in a neutral position.
- Use a desktop or a larger screen if you can to alleviate strain
- Elbows should remain at a 90-degree angle and wrists should not be angled while typing
- Support your back – use a cushion or a towel to help support your back and remain relaxed
- Feet should be supported or touching the ground or stool
- Calves should not be pressed against the chair to encourage proper blood flow.