Ergonomic Back Pain 

It has been revealed that 2 out of 3 small businesses have staff with back problems. With back pain being the leading cause of disability and poor productivity in the workplace. 1 in 8 unemployed people report that back pain is the reason they are not working. Although 75% of staff with back problems have jobs where they are required to do lifting in their daily work role, the number of office based workers complaining of back and neck ache is growing at an alarming rate. 50% of office workers sitting at desks, spending over 3 hours a day at the computer, reported neck related problems  while 31% reported lower back pain.

Although 25% of doctors will still recommend it, bed rest has now been proven to make backache worse. Research has found that returning to work as soon as possible is the best remedy. You are less likely to need painkillers and will feel healthier and happier. Seeking manipulation or massage is advised, but you should always contact your GP for advice first. Preventative measures are obviously the best recomendation  providing information and the correct tools that are necessary to carry out tasks in a safe and efficient manner. With office workplace ergonomics this is no different. Good ergonomic seating and chairs, ergonomic keyboards, wrist supports and the correct positioning of a computer monitor are essential for the well being of an employee."

Tips for reducing ergonomic back pain and neck strain.

1. Make sure your chair is set at the correct height.
2. Your forearms should be at right angles to your upper arms, with fingers sloping down onto your keyboard below.
3. Don't arch your back. This causes your spine to curve and your shoulders to droop. Push your pelvis back slightly, so that your spine straightens.
4. Invest in a good chair. The back of the chair should support the small of the back. If it doesn't, use a footrest.
5. The computer screen should be positioned so that you are looking very slightly down at it, with your eyes dropping at an angle of about 30 degrees.
6. Take regular breaks, at least every 40 minutes, getting up from your chair and walking around for a minute or so.

In the majority of cases slouching in front of a computer all day is bound to cause neck strain and lower back pain in office workers. Correct posture at your computer can improve backache dramatically, and it will reduce the chances of suffering from fatigue, headaces and repetitive strain injury (RSI).