The shift to working from home has brought many conveniences, but it has also brought a surge in musculoskeletal issues. Without the benefit of professionally designed office furniture, many people find themselves hunched over laptops on couches or dining tables, leading to a spike in neck, back, and wrist pain.
Creating an ergonomic workspace is essential for preventing these chronic issues. Start with your chair. You need a chair that supports the natural curve of your lower back. Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with your knees at or slightly below hip level.
Next, look at your monitor. The top of your screen should be at or just below eye level, and about an arm's length away. If you are working on a laptop, invest in a laptop stand and an external keyboard and mouse. Looking down at a laptop screen all day is a guaranteed recipe for neck pain.
Your keyboard and mouse should be positioned so that your elbows remain close to your body and your wrists are straight, not bent upwards or downwards.
Finally, the best ergonomic setup in the world won't help if you never move. Set a timer to stand up, stretch, and walk around for 2 minutes every hour. If you're already experiencing WFH-related pain, book an assessment with our team at Beachealth Brampton. We can treat the pain and give you personalized advice on fixing your setup.