HOW TO LIMIT ACHES AND PAINS AT YOUR WORKSTATION

After what seems to have been quite a bit of interest last week on my handy back care hints, I thought I'd highlight a couple of key things that might help you if you're suffering from aches and pains whilst sitting at your desk.

I regularly carry out Display Screen Equipment (DSE) workstation assessments and frequently find similar problems.

I'll start with the chair. Does the curve of your low back feel well supported by your chair? If not it may be that the height of the back of the chair may need raising or lowering to achieve this. Another thing to consider is how upright the chair back is - slumping or lying back in your chair is not good!!

Next your screen height - is the top of your screen level with your eyes? If you currently spend most of your time using a laptop it really is worth having either a separate screen or keyboard which will improve posture and reduce neck bend.

Another important fact about the screen is that you shouldn't rotate either your head or body to look at it - if you are, try to move it to a place on your desk that means that you can sit directly in front of it without rotating.

Next, the keyboard and mouse - can you reach them both whilst keeping your elbows by your side? Are your elbows at a 90 degree angle? If not, bring both the keyboard and mouse closer towards you to achieve this angle. This is often helpful in reducing aches and pains in shoulders and arms.

Finally, take regular breaks from prolonged actvities such as sitting and wherever possible try and vary your tasks throughout the day.

Please note that these pointers do not make up a full workstation assessment they are just a couple of things to look at. If, despite these suggestions you are still suffering, you may need some physiotherapy treatment. If however, you don't suffer with problems until you come to sit at your desk - perhaps it would be more appropriate to get someone to look at the specifics of your workstation.

If you are interested in finding out more about workstation assessments in general have a look at this and if you have a question about your own that you'd like advice about do email me .