Protecting Your Health and Well-Being at Work and at Home with Ergonomics
Unless you’re a crew member on “World’s Deadliest Catch” you probably don’t consider your job very dangerous to your health. Fortunately, most people don’t have to worry about traumatic injury while at work. Even the most mundane desk jobs can cause problems, though, if you’re not aware of proper ergonomics.
The definition of ergonomics (the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment) is rather uninspiring; but the practice of proper ergonomics is a very effective tool in the prevention of injuries, both on the job and in the home.
Setting up your workstation to be ergonomically correct reduces stress, helps to prevent the overuse of muscles, and can keep you off the workplace injury list.
Ergonomic risk factors include:
Ergonomic injuries (also referred to as Repetitive Stress Injuries, Musculoskeletal Disorders or Cumulative Trauma Injuries, among other terms) can happen when you’re exposed to one or more of these risk factors.
The best example of this is something most people have experienced at one time or another while working on a computer. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when you’re working with bent wrists in a repetitive motion (typing on a computer keyboard). This puts pressure on the median nerve which runs down your arm and into your hands, leading to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. Setting up your workstation and home computer desk correctly is the first step in the right direction. Taking frequent breaks and seeking help if you do experience pain are also important to preventing injury.
For more details on what types of things can cause Repetitive Stress Injuries and how to prevent them, check out our article on Ergonomic Principles: http://www.miller-pt.com/Work-Activities/Ergonomic-Principles/a~1447/article.html
You can also call us for a complimentary consultation for additional help if you’re experiencing pain due to poor ergonomics. 561-278- 6055
Call us today and get started back on the road to full mobility and pain-free living!
The Miller PT Team
Where Fitness and Wellness Meet
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