Working From Home Is WORSE?!
“Eight hours on a computer at a makeshift workstation, seated on your favorite couch from college (1991) with a metal baking sheet as a desk, is going to create problems.” ~Dr. Lou
This is bad posture.
The Wall Street Journal, in a May 13 article written by Aaron Zitner, published the following in an article on back pain and working from home. “When the American Chiropractic Association posted a survey on its Facebook page recently, nearly 200 members, or 90% of those who answered, said their patients were experiencing more pain since stay-at-home rules went into effect. The North American Spine Society, an association of physicians, reports that Exercises To Reduce Neck Pain were the second most viewed item in April on its website for patients, up from fifth a year ago.” Read The Article Here.
Changing one’s work station is only good if it becomes a more ergonomically sound setup. Many of us prefer a soft couch or comfortable chair to a desk and office chair when working on our computers from home. While it feels good at the time, that’s not always a good gauge for what’s to come. Working from home at a desk all day is rough on us to begin with. Eight hours on a computer at a makeshift workstation, seated on your favorite couch from college (1991) with a metal baking sheet as a desk, is going to create problems.
Workstation ergonomics may be even more important at home. With added stressors at home, poor posture + stress = pain, and suffering. When you think chiropractor, think Dr. Lou. (207) SPINAL 1
What kind of problems?
Low back pain
Neck pain
Headache
Shoulder pain and tension
Sciatica
Difficulty breathing
Those are just a few of the most common issues people are having working from home.
What Should You Do?
If you are stuck working at home indefinitely, investing in a proper workstation may save you thousands in medical bills. Keep it simple, attainable, and repeatable.
Buy a new chair.
Work at a table or desk that is the proper height.
Avoid any position that your gut instinct says is wrong. If you say to yourself “I’m going to pay for this later…” you need to do something about it. Change something.
Take breaks frequently.
Walk around the house, go to the bathroom, get the get a glass of water.
Many people work from home and don’t have any issues. But what COVID-19 quarantine and working from home have shown medical professionals, is that the physical and mental stress of working on a computer at home can lead to a tremendous amount of discomfort, decreased productivity, medical bills, frustration, and difficulty dealing with family.
After back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and sciatica, the last thing anyone wants, especially when stuck at home with everyone, is for the pain to get between you and the people you love most. Your family.