Is Sitting At My Desk Causing My Neck and Back Pain?

By Jamar Smith, SPT

Sports Pro Physical Therapy, LLC

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Is Sitting At My Desk Causing My Neck and Back Pain?

Does your job require you to sit at a desk a majority of the day? If your answer is yes, then this article is for you. Injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck pain, numbness and tingling in arms and hands, and chronic lower back pain are just a few common injuries associated with jobs that require prolonged sitting at a desk. Fortunately, these common problems can be avoided by improving your posture through ensuring that your workstation is ergonomically designed.

What Is An ergonomically Designed Workstation?

According to Webster, ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging a work area that will maximize worker productivity, reduce operator fatigue, and avoid musculoskeletal injuries mentioned.

Ultimately, an ideal work station should position you in such a fashion in which your chin is perpendicular to the floor while looking at the computer screen, your wrist should remain neutral while your hands are on the keyboard, and your hips should be slightly higher than your knees so that your feet can rest completely on the floor while keeping an upright posture.

An ergonomically designed workstation is customized to meet each person's physical make up; therefore, an ergonomic specialist should be consulted to assess and assure that your work station is ergonomically designed.

An ergonomic designed workstation does not guarantee the avoidance of a possible workstation related injury, but it is a start. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned injuries related to a poorly designed workstation, you should first seek the help of your primary care physician for possible solutions. You should then take action in assuring that your workstation is transformed into an ergonomic safe haven to avoid further injury.