Just Beat It! Back Problems Caused By Prolonged Sitting!
Back pain is a major problem effecting the workforce in the United States. Think about these facts. Back Pain is the:
Number one leading impairment in occupational injuries
Leading cause of disability between the ages of 19-45
Second most common cause of missed workdays
Number one leading impairment in occupational injuries
Leading cause of disability between the ages of 19-45
Second most common cause of missed workdays
FLEX IT!
Consult with a health care professional to select appropriate exercises. Provide employee training on exercises that can be combined into a brief five-minute routine. The exercises should stretch certain muscle groups. Proper exercises are a complement to a complete office ergonomics program. It should be remembered that what works for one employee may not wok for another; thus the approach should be individualized to the workers needs. Provide employee training on exercises that can be combined into a brief five-minute routine. The exercises should stretch certain muscle groups. Proper exercises are a complement to a complete office ergonomics program. It should be remembered that what works for one employee may not wok for another; thus the approach should be individualized to the workers needs.
ADJUST IT!
Consult with an ergonomist to select appropriate seating. Evaluate the employee's seat design. Poor seating is a major contributor to back problems. The best chair design will be one that can be easily moved around the work area and adjusted to "fit" the user. This includes adjustable height, backrest, back angle, seat depth and angle. The seat cushion should be "just right", not too soft and not too hard. Lumbar support is also important. If armrests are provided, the forearms or elbows should not rest while engaged in typing activities. Evaluate the employee's seat design. Poor seating is a major contributor to back problems. The best chair design will be one that can be easily moved around the work area and adjusted to "fit" the user. This includes adjustable height, backrest, back angle, seat depth and angle. The seat cushion should be "just right", not too soft and not too hard. Lumbar support is also important. If armrests are provided, the forearms or elbows should not rest while engaged in typing activities.
POSITION IT!
Consult with a physical therapist to facilitate appropriate positioning. Consideration should be given to employee positioning. The chair backrest should support the inward curve of the back. The height should be regulated so the shoulders are relaxed and level, arms beside the body and bent with the elbows at approximately 90 degrees. The wrists should be kept straight and not rest on the work surface. The feet should be flat on the floor, but not so low that the worker's weight is not evenly distributed over the seat surface. Consideration should be given to employee positioning. The chair backrest should support the inward curve of the back. The height should be regulated so the shoulders are relaxed and level, arms beside the body and bent with the elbows at approximately 90 degrees. The wrists should be kept straight and not rest on the work surface. The feet should be flat on the floor, but not so low that the worker's weight is not evenly distributed over the seat surface.
Exercise, chair design and positioning can help prevent back pain in the workplace.
For More Information:
Karen Allen
Senior Physical Therapist
Environmental Health & Safety - University of Virginia
phone: (804) 982-4913
or visit the UVA Ergonomics Task Force Website: VDT Ergonomics Avoiding A Painful Desk Job!!!