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In simple words, Ergonomics is the philosophy and practice of proper posture, including the use of equipment.
Being a multidisciplinary wellness clinic, we treat numerous clients for back, neck and shoulder pain most commonly brought on by our jobs, including computer use and general tension from the use of work place equipment. Awareness and correction are two main factors to regain a proper posture. Having awareness about correct posture, and proper ergonomics is crucial to one's well being. If you are aware and remember to not slouch, your body can maintain pain free movement. As one's body become lazy, the health effects can be quite detrimental.
If one sits at a computer desk for too long with ill posture, the anatomy is not able to work at it's optimal performance. This will cause the body the compensate. Muscle groups and tendons that are not normally used for this position will begin to strengthen. Muscles that are normally used in a proper position will weaken, making it harder to regain a perfect posture. This cycle creates a sense of comfort in a poor position, rather than a strong proper posture.
Imagine sitting at a computer desk with ill posture, for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The body begins to feel comfortable slouching. As the head tilts forward, neck and upper back muscles will begin to strain to hold one's posture. Shoulder muscles will begin to round forward, putting increased stress on the mid to low back. As all of these muscles become 'comfortable' in the slouching position, it is more difficult to bring the muscles and joints back into a natural position.
Another great example would be an employee operating heavy duty machinery, a mechanic, a welder, or really any trade worker....will require one's body to be twisted or maneuvered in a way that is not natural. It is important to remember to stretch, and be aware of these uncomfortable positions so that the anatomy can be brought back to a natural, posture for pain free movement. If the worker is able to practice safe ergonomics, the body will be much less affected.
There are many symptoms created by poor posture. Range of motion is most affected by poor posture. Common symptoms associated with poor ergonomics are headaches, numbness and tingling, fatigue, back neck and/or shoulder pain, restricted range of motion and other aches and pains. Once the body becomes comfortable in lazy position, range of motion significantly decreases. This makes it difficult to produce quality work, and requires more energy than one with pain free, full range of motion.
Consult your employer or healthcare practitioner now to determine if you are using correct posture at work, or if you need help correcting your posture. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our clinic to be assessed. One of our qualified health care practitioners is waiting to help you practice safe ergonomics, and decrease the pain and other symptoms often associated with poor posture.
Safe practicing!
-Kerissa
Check out these images below to see the effects of poor posture over time:
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