Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of interactions between humans and their surroundings, often fitting working environments around people to reduce the chances of discomfort and injury.

A lot of work equipment is standardized, to make it easier to manufacture and distribute. However, these standard sizes don’t fit the wide variety of human bodies that must use them. Depending on the industry, there are specific ergonomic interventions that can be implemented to make it easier to perform necessary work-related tasks in agriculture, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, wholesale, retail, offices, and more.

Most often when we think of ergonomics, we think of it in regard to office workspaces and computer use, proper desk and chair height, and monitor and keyboard position. This can make a huge difference in your comfort and susceptibility to injury over time. Proper workstation setup can reduce discomfort and tension in the back, neck, and shoulders, and eliminate injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome – and maybe even make work more productive and enjoyable!

Task Chairs

Probably the most important piece of equipment in an office setting is your chair. How do you know if your chair is a good fit? If you need a new chair, what should you look for? Here is a basic checklist of criteria you should keep in mind when considering chair ergonomics:

Base

Chairs with five caster wheels at the base offer greater stability and are less likely to tip over than chairs with only four casters.

Seat

Depth – The depth of the seat should allow for you to sit all the way back against the backrest, while keeping a few finger-widths of space between the back of the calves and the front edge of the seat.
Height – The seat should allow your thighs to be parallel to the ground. shorter or taller users may need different height adjustability.
Shape – The front edge of the seat should be rounded to avoid sharp edges pressing on the backs of the thighs.
Movement – The seat should allow for tilting forward and backward, to allow you to change your posture as needed throughout the day.

Backrest

Lumbar height – The lumbar support should fit into the low back and support the vertebrae that support the upper back.
Recline – The backrest should be able to recline slightly, to open up the angle between the hips and torso.

Armrests

Optional – You may find that armrests actually interfere with the natural motion of your work.
Height – Armrests should be adjustable to avoid “shrugging” your shoulders or leaning down on one or the other armrest.
Shape – Like the seat, a rounded edge provides the most comfort and least pressure on the arms.
Width – Armrests that are width-adjustable or can pivot in/out from the body are most beneficial, to avoid holding the arms out at an unnatural angle.

If you suffer from headaches, sore neck, back, shoulders, or wrist pain, you may have the wrong setup for your chair. Sitting incorrectly for long periods of time can cause injury to your muscles and skeleton. Fortunately, in most cases it’s reversible with correct habits and chiropractic adjustments.

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Dr. Mark Sell is a licensed, experienced chiropractor serving the Huntington, Indiana area since 1986. His practice continually strives to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, offering affordable high-quality chiropractic care that includes treatment protocols tailored to meet your individual needs.