Did you know that sustained postures and repetitive tasks can be just as debilitating, over time, as more demanding physical labour? This is due to a phenomenon known as hysteresis, or ‘creep’, where sustained or repetitive end-range loading of tissues and ligaments causes temporary tissue deformation. Over time, this can accumulate into micro-trauma of the ligaments and tissues surround a joint, eventually leading to symptoms of pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion. These effects are cumulative, fortunately, however, there is much to be done to correct or prevent tissue damage when your job requires you to be at a desk for much of the day.

Poor posture: more damaging than you’d think!

Ergonomics – the importance of your work station

Ideally, we would all have standing work stations, as sitting puts more stress on the spine than standing! Slouching while seated exacerbates this even further. More and more, I am hearing of individuals who are given the option of a standing desk at work, and much to their surprise, leaving them feeling more energetic throughout the work day. If you are looking to replace your desk, consider opting for a standing solution. A variable height desk, allowing you to switch easily between sitting and standing, would be ideal. A list of different options available on the market can be found here. If replacing your desk is not an option, stands like VARIDESK can be placed atop your current workstation. Feeling like MacGyver? Click here for an inexpensive ikea solution and build your own standing desk. Here is another solution from ikea. Try a google search of your own, it looks like many folks have been creative, and shared their strategy for creating a standing work station on the cheap! Having a fatigue mat to stand on, especially if your desk is on a hard surface such as concrete or wood flooring, is a good idea. Find a review on several options available here, and note the same MacGyver style desk in play! Those jumbo foam playmats that come in fun colours should also work well for those on a budget.

Things to consider: the height of your monitor is important – you want to see the top third of your screen when gazing straight ahead. Also, when using your keyboard, you want your wrists in a neutral position.

When you do sit: Have your chair adjusted so that your hips and knees are both at 90 degrees, with your feet touching the floor. Maintain a neutral spine, and shoulders rounded back and down. Also consider replacing your chair with an exercise ball; this engages the core (abdominal) muscles. Find a size ball that has your hips and knees at 90 degrees, with your feet touching the floor. More tips on choosing a chair or ball for your workstation from the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Take the time to set up an ergonomic workstation – your body will thank you for it!

Take frequent breaks

Hysteresis, or creep, starts to set in quickly! When sitting, modify your posture every 20-30 mins. This can be from sitting to standing, or shifting from neutral, to leaning forward or backward (from the hips, maintaining a neutral spine!) in your chair. Absolutely get up from standing every 60 mins and stretch! Programs like StretchClock can alert you when it’s time to get up and stretch, and even provide video for you to follow.

Chiropractic

Your chiropractor is able to recognize and treat joint dysfunction and tissue damage, even before you’re aware of it yourself. Wellness care is a great way to avoid acute episodes of work-related pain and discomfort. As always, how often you come to the clinic for an adjustment is up to you, but by tracking your symptoms, we are able to work with you and determine how the demands of your job and lifestyle will dictate the frequency of chiropractic care to maintain your quality of life. Book an appointment with Dr. Natasha Hayden.

Have any experience with a standing desk? I’d love to hear from you! Share your story.