What is Ergonomics?
…Lol bad joke.
What dad should say next is, ” Employer’s pay Ergonomists to lower their worker’s compensation costs. Ergonomists are certified and trained to understand how musculoskeletal injuries occur through faulty movement patterns and how to mitigate the risks of those injuries in our environment. These bio-mechanical principles can be applied in the workplace and in our daily lives.”
**Scroll down to read John’s story**
The image above is a photo of John while working at his desk (looks familiar?).
John has had intermittent back, neck and wrist pain for more than a year now. He is in physical therapy and feels some relief when leaving the session, but by the next evening, his discomfort returns.
What does this tell us? There is most likely something in John’s work/life environment or in his day to day behaviors that’s causing his discomfort to worsen as the day progresses.
John’s physical therapist suggests he receive a *Lifestyle Ergonomic Evaluation* to identify and address any potential sources of aggravation in his daily life.
Ergonomic Assessment
During his virtual ergonomic evaluation, John informs the ergonomist that his back screams after he lifts and plays with his 2 year old son. The ergonomist asks him to demonstrate this task. The photo above is what he observed. (yikes!)
After further probing, the ergonomist discovers that John also carries 3 boxes, totaling 20 lbs of files and supplies, to his desk every morning. (yikes again!)
Lastly, the ergonomst learns that John spends up to 50% of his workday on the phone but he needs to have his hands free to type so he cradles the phone between his head and shoulder. (see where i'm going with this?)
Recommendations
Based on the result of John’s Complete Lifestyle Ergonomic Evaluation, the ergonomist made the following recommendations to help him reach his goals:
Workstation adjustments and new ergonomic equipment to address his posture.
Educated John on neutral wrist/hand positioning and recommended an ergonomic keyboard and mouse that fit his hand
Lifting Training to work on body mechanics and core activation when lifting objects or your child.
Use a utility cart to transport files every morning instead of carrying them.
Twice a week foundational exercise coaching sessions to improve functional strengths, core stability, posture, and mobility.
Use a headset for longer calls and stop craning neck.
After about a month, John notices his discomfort significantly decrease, energy increased and overall feeling of wellness has much improved. Additionally, he notices he is able to focus better on tasks than ever before, which also improves his productivity. Great job John!!
Other risk factors covered include:
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Sleep Posture
- Driving Posture
- Stress management
- Screen size and resolution
- Movement breaks and stretches
- Other factors that affect work and life productivity
My point is this, we must become more mindful about the way we move and the frequency in which we move during our daily lives unless disfunction and discomfort will always return. Click “Learn More” below to begin your journey to wellness!