Anyone have any pointers on good office/desk ergonomics?
Does your trendy new boss give you "sweet" chairs or big ass balls to sit on?
Since I work from home, I can't really say that is how I roll, but I'm starting to realize my neck pain is likely associated with bad ergonomics and its getting really annoying.
I am not about to start doing some weird upside down yoga poses at my desk (even though no one could see me, I guess), but I'm all for ideas. What you got for me?
i looooove this topic.
ReplyDeleteat work, I have a big old desk chair (fluffy w/ arms etc), an exercise ball, and a regular folding chair. I've found that I need to rotate through the three to keep any kind of posture.
I figured this out when I started having back problems (again). The thing is, with the cozy chairs you get cozy. Most people don't have enough core strength to sit an exercise ball all day (properly). And, the folding chair is probably best for posture, but, lets face it, definitely not the most comfortable. Anyway, I rotate from chair to chair and it usually makes my comfort level and productivity level go up.
Pretty interested to see everyone's thoughts on this :)
PS i miss you guys and can't wait to be back at the box next week! :):)
You should rig a standing desk. my first job out of school a while back was a temp gig in customer service and many people had desks that could adjust to sitting height or standing height. Probably a bit more involved than you're looking for, though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've worked in server rooms and such with standing machines. That really is the best, but it won't fly at home unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Tyler, a standing desk would be great if you can hook one up. You'll also find that you work faster and more efficiently when you're forced to stand.
ReplyDeleteOne quick fix is to make sure your chair is the right height. I realized that my chair at work was actually too high and I ended up leaning forward and down to use my keyboard and it strained my lower back. Adjust the height of your chair so that you back is straight against back of it when you're in a natural sitting position. Might take a while to get used to, but you'll feel better. See if that works before you buy a new chair.
Or just do what Jonny does and sit in a full squat all day. Straight up caveman shit.
I'd say this, but this might be a downfall:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-_M1Tib2s
Hahaha yes Anthony, exactly what I don't want people seeing in my house.
ReplyDeleteanthony, i just saw that episode the other day. haha.
ReplyDeleteMy firm has an ergo department. The lady comes by all of our offices and adjusted our monitors to the right level, gives us nifty keyboards that are split down the middle...I also have a weird ass mouse that is bigger than my hand and leans to one side. Took forever to get used to this stuff. You should also use a bluetooth instead of the phone if you talk for long periods of times because it can mess up your neck. Also get foot rests to keep you legs from lying flush on the chair all the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she took care of all of this ish, because I would have had no idea. lol.
I also have been sitting at a desk for longer than I like to admit. But I may have a few pointers:
ReplyDelete1. Make sure you monitor is level with your eyes so your head is totally neutral when you look at it. (put books under it to raise the height if need be). ***Invest in a GIANT monitor***
2. Make sure you keyboard is as flat as it can be, the more upward angle you have on your keyboard the more carpel tunnel strain you will have.
3. Chair height, arm rest height & desk height is key make sure your feet can be flat on ground and when your hands are on the keyboard your shoulders and elbows need to be neutral as well.
4. Some chairs have excess foam seat padding which creates a ridge between your cheeks that can aggravate the Coxxyx (tail bone) if this happens use two paper back books to elevate yourself above the foam ridge.
5. If you have to talk on the phone use a blue tooth or a speaker phone.
6. If you can't get the mouse to work for you, use a trackball.
7. If you chair sucks see if your company will buy you a better one.
In general shape your desk around you and not the other way around.
Thanks Jacques - I'm totally siding with it being my slouching abilities. Been working to change them for sure.
ReplyDeleteOh and monitor size is one thing I don't have a problem with haha: http://img.waffleimages.com/5f8d9271cc7d872db0fca1f48b6a1663f2442a99/IMAG0565.jpg
I have a back pillow at work that forces me to sit correctly. I also do stretches at my desk. Basically the cobra pose. It helps my weak sauce back throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteI showed my coworker how to do a "real" push up today. :)