Going to work does not have to be physically painful. Are these health myths holding you back at the office?
1. Being uncomfortable is just part of office life.
If you suffer from pain and discomfort at work, you may think it just comes with the territory. After all, you’re not the only one rubbing your lower back or shaking out your wrists, right? You probably see most of your coworkers doing the same thing.
The truth is, there is absolutely no reason to continue working in pain. There are dozens of ergonomic products available to help you work in the most comfortable, neutral positions. Whether you need a sit-stand desk, keyboard tray, ergonomic mouse, monitor arm, or all of the above, the right products will alleviate your pain and allow you to work comfortably.
2. Just because I have a little pain at work, I won’t sustain an actual injury from sitting at my desk.
Unfortunately, you might. Office work may be sedentary, but there are numerous health risks that come from sitting in the same position for hours on end, reaching outside your neutral zone, and performing repetitive typing and mousing tasks. These risks include disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and disc degeneration, as well as lack of circulation, eyestrain, and muscle discomfort. Over time, these problems are compounded, often resulting in debilitating pain, missed work, and costly procedures.
3. I’m in great physical shape, so I’m not at risk for these problems.
Even if you’re physically fit, you are still a candidate for musculoskeletal problems and repetitive strain injuries. You’re still sitting, typing, and looking at a computer screen all day.
In addition, the act of sitting all day is bad for everyone. It increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and even some cancers. And according to Dr. James Levine, a pioneer researcher in the effects of all-day sitting, you are still at risk even if you regularly exercise outside of work.
An excellent option for reducing your health risks and improving back, neck, and shoulder pain is to alternate between sitting and standing at work. Research shows that standing for part of the day alleviates muscular discomfort and reduces your overall risk of disease. Standing also boosts energy, productivity, and creativity.
4. Ergonomic equipment is expensive.
Sometimes, yes. A state-of-the-art ergonomic chair or height adjustable desk may be out of your price range. But there are still a lot of reasonably priced products that can make a huge difference in your workday, like a sit-stand unit that sits on top of your existing desk, or a keyboard tray that lets you type in a comfortable ergonomic position. You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve workplace comfort and flexibility.
5. My employer would never go for this.
Actually, most employers are willing to work with you to provide the equipment necessary for you to be happy, healthy, and productive at work. Musculoskeletal pain and repetitive stress injuries cost employers billions of dollars each year, and they understand that the investment in quality ergonomics is one that pays off for everyone.
If you’re unsure of what products would be best for your needs, give us a call today to go over your options.