Are you spending most of your time sitting in front of a computer?
Office people spend most of their time working on computers. Most people are not concerned that the pain in their wrists or back are more serious than they think. This is more likely if their posture is not right and their office equipment is not set up in a good position.
Unhealthy working habits can cause severe injuries called Repetitive Strain Injuries, Do they sound familiar?
What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), also called Repetitive Motion Injuries, are a temporary or permanent pain caused by overusing your hands to perform tasks such as typing, clicking a mouse, or writing.
The pain that you feel is a result from an inflammation on your damaged muscle, tendons and nerves. It can worsen over time if untreated. Severe pain over a long period of time can even cause a complete loss of function.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
There are many things you can do to prevent RSI’s such as changing your regular habits to avoid the muscle injuries.
Posture
Everything starts from you! A correct posture is to sit up tall with a straight back and shoulders. Push your hips far back to the end of the chair. Adjust the height of the chair and make sure that your feet can reach the floor and your knees are equal to or lower than your hips.
Alter the back of the chair to 100°-110° angle and use a small pillow or cushion to support your upper and lower back. Remove or adjust the armrests and make sure that your shoulders are relaxed.
Typing Position
The positioning of a keyboard is essential. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed, arms are comfortable, elbows should be slightly open and your wrists and hands should be straight.
Take a Break
Do not stare at your computer for too long. Take a regular break every 1-2 hours. Get up out of your chair and take a walk and have a conversation with your colleagues. This can freshen your mind and make you more productive. It is also good for your health!
Exercise & Relax
Take a trip to the gym 2-3 times a week to create strength in your muscles. Stronger muscles are likely to experience less pain.
Sitting still is not going to be good for your health. If you feel uncomfortable at a workspace, leave it and take a walk to another place or rearrange your working space. Do not put yourself in a stressful position, it is not good for your health.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
The biggest change that you can do is changing your office work station. Ergonomic products are designed to be shaped to fit a person well and to prevent and reduce the pain in muscles. The design is focused on improving work stations, tools and work methods to reduce awkward postures.
If you want to buy office furniture in Melbourne, meet a specialist to get advice about good furniture and chairs and choose the chair that fits you.
Reduce RSI’s Before They Get Worse
RSI’s can be cured by proactive actions and good treatment. If you are already suffering from them, here are some things that you must do.
Type less – It sounds hard to do for people involving with typing but it can be done! Jot down notes or plan your works before you start to type.
Change Your Ways – Instead of writing an email, visit your co-workers or call them. This way you can have a short walk to another room.
Rest – Take a break if you are feeling unwell. There is no reason for putting yourself in pain.
See The Doctor – If your pain gets more serious, the best thing to do is to see a doctor to get treatments and advice. Do not bare your pain for too long because it will only get worse.
