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Abby Sims

Ortho/sports physical therapist

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Ergonomics At Work: Keep Work From Being a (Literal) Pain in the Neck

Posted: 04/26/11 09:34 AM ET
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The allure of the internet and the demands of work have many of us spending inordinate amounts of time hunched over our desks and staring at computer monitors. Add stress to the equation, and the outcome is likely to be complaints of neck or back pain, headaches, jaw pain or repetitive stress injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome). Here are some simple steps you can take to launch a preemptive strike and prevent the computer from winning.

Posture
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Sit upright. Good posture is key, but it's easier said than done. Until you are used to sitting erectly, the muscles of your low, mid and upper back may feel tired.
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NOTE: Seek medical attention if you experience recurrent headaches, neck, jaw or shoulder pain, particularly if that pain radiates to your arm or hand. Likewise, complaints of persistent low back pain, or pain that radiates to your buttocks or lower extremities, should also be addressed by a physician.

 

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The allure of the internet and the demands of work have many of us spending inordinate amounts of time hunched over our desks and staring at computer monitors. Add stress to the equation, and the out...
The allure of the internet and the demands of work have many of us spending inordinate amounts of time hunched over our desks and staring at computer monitors. Add stress to the equation, and the out...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
jnzcram
89 Fans
12:06 PM on 04/30/2011
Standing erect with your back and head touching a wall for two minutes three times a day will also alleviate many neck and back symptoms as well as correct postural anomalies.
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Thantalas
5 Fans
04:52 PM on 04/27/2011
If you can, you should try using a standing workstation. The experts are now saying that sitting is the new smoking in terms of the effect on your long term health.
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Kev n
27 Fans
09:02 AM on 04/30/2011
Don't be so quick to judge new trends. A combination of sitting and standing is probably a good idea. However, you do know varicose veins can be caused by long periods of standing.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
YoureSoShain
138 Fans
 
01:00 PM on 04/26/2011
A good chair is absolutely essential. You should spend as much on your chair as you do on your mattress if you spend equal amounts of time in both. It will last you for years and save you a ton of back problems.
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