Focus on ergonomics!

Now that we’ve turned the clocks back and the weather isn’t as cooperative as it used to be, you can probably count on spending quite a bit more time inside than you did during the balmy summer months (remember those?). Add this to the amount of time you’re probably spending sitting around at an office or place of work, and you might be looking at an astonishing amount of time spent seated, reclining, or just plain lazing around. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little R&R, the fact is that too much sitting around—or more specifically, too much time spent seated in the wrong way—can wreak havoc on your spinal health. And while we’ve covered office and workplace health here before, there can be no doubt that there’s plenty more to say on the subject of ergonomics—the science of designing toward our physiological needs, at home, in the office, or anywhere else.

The single factor that makes ergonomics so important is time: more specifically, the staggering amounts of time we spend, on average, sitting down—roughly 7.7 hours a day! The statistics about this trend are alarming: since load on the spine is actually less when standing up than sitting down, people who sit for most of the day are at elevated risk for back pain as well as conditions as diverse as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. The science is so clear on this, in fact, that many doctors have begun to speak of the trend as a “sitting disease,” responsible for a vast number of new ailments!
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for improving the way we work, stand, sit, and everything in between. One trend that’s been picking up steam in this field is the option of working at a standing desk, rather than sitting, straining or slumping to read a computer screen, and all the rest. This way—with the body held at a healthy standing posture--requires the core muscles to stay engaged, preventing our bodies from slouching down or relaxing to too great a degree. Other variations on this theme include using exercise balls to keep muscles engaged while working, using unusual but highly ergonomic office chairs, or simply designing a more ergonomic workplace setup.
Be aware, however, that ergonomics don’t only apply to the workplace, or even just to sitting! There are many instances in our daily lives where overall health could be improved by simply making a minor ergonomic adjustment. For example, with winter around the corner, the number of back injuries from snow shoveling is sure to shoot up—it’s one of the most common ailments during colder months! Staying warm, pacing oneself and making use of ergonomic lifting techniques will ensure that a task as straightforward as snow removal doesn’t lead to hassles and pain down the road.
Last but certainly not least, keep an eye on your posture at all times; whether standing, sitting, or even lying in bed, the manner in which we keep our spine straight can have major effects on our overall health and mean the difference between comfort and pain. Be certain that you’re following good practices, and rest easy, at work and at home!