Ergonomic Workplace Practices That Reduce Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) was initially referenced in 1982 by the National Health and Medical Research Council in a document that suggested: "workplace injury" triggered by a strenuous pressure from repetitive movement, or by maintained postures.

By the mid 1980's a considerably broadly worded definition surfaced:

"Repetition Strain Injury (RSI), better known as Occupational Overuse Syndrome, is seen as a name for an assortment of conditions categorized by aches or consistent soreness in muscles and tendons... Repetition Strain Injury is commonly triggered or aggravated by work as well as being related to repetitive movement, continual or restricted postures and/or forceful movements."

By 1985, in excess of 4000 incidents across Australia had been announced inside of the public service and more than 80% of all workplace damages claims by females had been linked to RSI. 20 000 litigants had materialized and the Insurance Council of Australia estimated prospective claims for the next twelve months at over $1 billion dollars!

There are numerous factors, which can lead to RSI presenting, in particular:

* repeated motions for long stretches of the time;

* lengthy work hours

* working too fast

* keeping your muscles in the same stance for a very long time

* doing work on equipment not suited to your body

* not having rests

* absence of training

* absence of diversity in the work performed

* working in cold conditions

RSI may appear across a vast number of workplace environments. Jobs where extensive desktop computer use is required greatly increases the risks, mainly because of poor posture over an extensive length of time and repetitive actions.

Whenever muscle groups are used, tiny rips can potentially occur on the muscle tissues, and these muscles may be painful as the body system makes an attempt to mend the damage. Repeated movements over a long period of time may adversely threaten these muscles ability to mend itself.

Thankfully there are measures that may be taken to defend RSI from manifesting and these may also treat symptoms of early phase RSI. Listed below are a list of suggested preventative tips formulated on workplace ergonomics:

Always maintain your monitor approximately between 50 and 100 hundred centimeters away from your face. Helps reduce eye strain. Whenever the depth of your work desk doesn't permit this, shift your computer monitor to a corner, or use a flat screen monitor (if available), to attain a deeper working surface area;

Change your screen so that the middle of the screen is situated at eye level. The screen ought to always be directly in front of your face and at / or marginally below eye level. If you wear glasses and continually tip your head back in order to look down through them at the monitor, lower the monitor further (or heighten your seat) so the screen sits at 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. You could also tilt the monitor slightly towards your face;

Place your key board so that your upper arms can easily dangle vertically. Try to avoid placements where you are forced to stretch your arms too far forward or flex your elbows away from your body to type;

Keep your key board at a height so your forearms extend no greater than 20 degrees above a horizontal position (if sitting), or 45 degrees beneath a horizontal position (if standing upright).

Position your mouse near your key board soit possible for you to transition between typing and using the mouse with as little impact on your arm and wrists. If you have a numeric pad on the right side of your key board, you may want to use your mouse on the left side as this centers the part of the keyboard you use most. (You could also try alternating left and right-sided mouse usage to diminish the impacts of repetitive use).

Position all desk accessories within eyesight and reach. Place your phone, writing equipment, books and other equipment you use on a daily basis within grasp from where you sit. (You should not need to stretch to reach objects).

If you use a document holder, do not set it to one side of your computer monitor (unless you also use a 2nd one on the other side), twisting your head in one direction for prolonged periods fatigues the neck muscles. If possible, position the document holder directly beneath the monitor, angling it in the middle of the screen and keyboard set up.

Vary your chair elevation so your feet are flat on the floor. This should keep your knees and torso at somewhere around the same elevation. To find this level, stand up by the chair and increase or drop the seat edge to just below your knee caps. If the seat isn't adjustable, either put a foot rest below your feet or add a wedge pillow to the seat of the chair

Arrange your back-rest to press comfortably on your back. A good back-rest will press into your lower back and provide you with lumbar support.

Set up arm rests to retain elbows bent somewhere between 90 and 110 degrees horizontally. Take attention and care that your elbows are not winged out, but rather suspended at a comfortable, relatively straight angle. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor and your wrists in a natural, comfortable position.

Always maintain a neutral wrist posture. Avoid angling your wrist sharply upwards or downwards to type. Use a split or ergonomic keyboard; to assist your wrists "drift" over the key board, work with a wrist support;

Adjust your position frequently. Regardless of how healthy your work posture is, sitting in any single position for a prolonged period is not healthy. If you have an adjustable chair, switch in between the upright, reclined and declined positions, all of which will keep your pose natural and stress-free.

If you are in the process of setting up or refitting a workplace, there are significant choices available for workstations and ergonomic office chairs that have been designed to assist reducing the effects of RSI. Alternatively a good commercial interior designer will be able to recommend workstations and office furniture that is adjustable and built according to best practice ergonomics.

Office Space Design empowers Australian companies with productive, efficient workplace spaces that facilitate core business needs while promoting culture and identity.

Office Space Design delivers commercial architectural, design and construct services to Australian companies moving offices or involved in refurbishment, relocation and fit-out projects.

http://www.officespacedesign.com.au/

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Office Chair Armrests - Benefits and Types

Sitting in an office chair at work is almost inevitable with the growing number of desk jobs and steady increase in office related positions. If you are going to be sitting for the majority of the work day, it is important to be sitting in a chair that is going to be adjustable enough to allow you to sit comfortably for hours a day. While most of us search for chairs with functionality, one area of the chair we often overlook is the armrests. Almost every chair has armrests of some sort or the option to add armrests as an upgrade to the chair. Armrests are an important component of any ergonomic office chair. Proper armrest design allows a place to rest your arms while working, relieving the pressure from your upper back and shoulders which sometimes is experienced when using an armless chair. There are a number of different types of armrests available which is why it is important to determine which will work best for your needs and keep you sitting comfortably throughout the day.

Fixed Armrests - Fixed armrests are the most affordable but also the least adjustable option available. They are fixed in height and not adjustable While these type of armrests are certainly an economical choice, they are not a very ergonomic option. They lack the adjustability needed to place the arms at the correct height for your body and can cause back pain because of this. If armrests are too high, this will raise the shoulders, causing tension in the shoulders and upper back muscles. Too low and they may cause you to lean forward which also puts pressure on your upper back. While fixed armrests are not the best choice for ergonomic chairs, they are a good choice for desk chairs that are only used for a few hours a day or conference room chairs.

Height Adjustable Armrests - At the very minimum, armrests should be able to adjust in height to enable your arms to rest in a comfortable working position for your everyday tasks. Height adjustable arms can be found as an option or included on most office chairs and is among the most popular armrest available. If it is not included in the price of the chair, adjustable armrests are generally reasonably priced to add-on as an option.

Some height adjustable armrests are also width adjustable, allowing the user to move the armrests out further from their seat if they are wider or bring them in closer to the body if they have a smaller frame. If you do have width adjustable armrests be certain not to put the armrests too close together as this can interfere with relaxed typing and restrict the ability to rest your hands in your lap when you are not typing, creating a confined environment. Armrests which are too far apart may cause shoulders to over-extend, causing upper back strain. Width adjustment is not as common as height adjustment in armrests and can only be found on certain models by select manufacturers.

Multi-Function Armrests - Multi-function armrests are highly adjustable and allow for the arms to be adjusted in height, width, and the arm pad has the ability to pivot. These highly adjustable armrests are a great option for shorter or wider individuals that need their arms closer to their body or farther away. The independent pivoting action helps accommodate sideways arm postures that are commonly found among computer users.

With the large range of adjustments available in multi-function arms, it is important to make sure that they do not interfere with your work surface. Poorly designed armrests may constrain postures, causing users to hunch forward and work with elevated arms. Specific work stations set ups may interfere with armrests, contributing to poor posture while working. Pivoting armrests allow the arm pad to be angled inward to prevent problems with narrow diameter corner work surfaces which can be obstructive.

Lateral Adjustable Armrests - Perhaps one of the most advanced armrests to emerge on the market to date, lateral adjustable armrests are an ergonomist's dream come true especially in the petite market. They are both height and width adjustable and perhaps the best feature of all, can telescope up to 3" inwards. They are a great choice for petite users that have a difficult time finding an armrest that allows them to rest their arms at the correct position close enough to their body without having to use a children's chair. These advanced armrests are expensive in price but also among the most ergonomic/adjustable option out there available for ergonomic chairs.

Designing good armrests is not an easy task. Not only do people come in a broad range of sizes; they also develop their own ways of sitting over the years. Women tend to sit upright whereas men tend to lean back in their chairs and lounge. Armrests also must accommodate users' different workstation configurations, including ergonomic accessories such as keyboard trays and mouse pads. Finding the right armrests luckily is not as difficult of a task. With the research and technology being developed in the field of ergonomics, armrests are now able to fit a larger range of users than ever before. When deciding which arms will work best for your work environment, remember the more adjustable the better.

Chelsea Alves is the marketing manager for Sitbetter.com, a company with more than 30 years experience in the office seating and office furniture industry. Dedicated to finding the best chairs for you, at the best price possible, with the best customer service available. For more information on ergonomic products please visit http://www.sitbetter.com/

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Good Posture For Good Health

Mothers often tell their children to sit up straight and avoid slouching. This is good advice. Bad posture is a common problem that affects people's health more than they think. Maintaining good posture involves keeping in the upright position against gravity when sitting, standing, or sleeping.

It is important to sit, stand, walk and sleep in the correct positions to avoid abnormal stress on the body. This will help to maintain proper alignment of the spine and other joints in the body. When misaligned joints occur, it can lead to a loss of function and health in the body. Abnormal posture can cause strain on the muscles. Good posture can help to prevent muscle fatigue and help the body to expend less energy. It also helps to reduce wear and tear on the joint surfaces which leads to arthritis. It also helps to avoid abnormal stress on the ligaments that hold joints together.

Your posture can tell a lot about the health of the spine. When you have poor posture, this often correlates to abnormal alignment of the spine. The spine has a powerful connection to the brain and spinal cord which make up the central nervous system or control center for the body. When you have poor posture this can lead to an unhealthy spine which causes an overall loss of health in the body.

Research shows that nutrition and stimulation of the brain is generated by motion of the spine. The brain expends a large amount of energy to maintain the body's relationship with gravity. If you have bad posture and misaligned bones of the spine, this communication can be interrupted. This will cause a loss of health and dysfunction in the body.

Poor posture or slouching leads to a loss of the normal curves that should exist in the spine. An example of this is a loss of the neck or cervical curve when a person slouches. This natural curve supports the weight of the head against the effects of gravity. It also protects the brain stem and delicate nerves that exit the cervical spine. Chiropractors often refer to this curve as the arc of life because of its overall importance with our health.

Chiropractic physicians are highly trained to locate and correct misaligned spinal bone to help restore normal health in the body. They perform specific hands on adjustments to the bones of the spine. They may also perform therapy to help injured soft tissue or recommend rehabilitative exercises to strengthen muscles.

- Nathan Leavitt DC

Dr. Leavitt has been a licensed chiropractic physician since 2003. His deepest commitment is to help improve the health and quality of life of others. To learn more effective ways to improve your health naturally go here: Knoxville chiropractic
You can also see patient reviews and see where Dr. Leavitt's clinic is located by clicking here: Knoxville chiropractic

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RiteTemp: A New Modality for Treating Occupational Injuries

Occupational injuries are one of the most important and preventable health problems that occur daily throughout the world. While preventable, they are a human capital issue to business and a disabling socio-economic factor to the injured worker. The concurrent impact reaches far beyond lost time, missed schedules and production delays. In years past, scores of today's aging workforce labored in non-ergonomic jobs, never to be inoculated to improved ergonomics as part of today's assessment of human capital costs. Improper height of work stations, non-electric hand tools and warehouse staging areas account for a multitude of simply avoidable musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) the aging workforce faces today.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Editor's Desk 2005 Report, of the 1.3 million sprains and strains reported, often involving the back, 43 percent of these injuries required more than one day recuperation from work beyond the day of the incident. When you combine the simple sprain and soft tissue damage with bruises and contusions, lacerations and fractures, approximately two thirds of all these cases resulted in cumulative lost work time, not counting the day of the injury.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the Journal of American Medical Association's occupational supplement records and reports non-fatal work related injuries from U.S. hospital Emergency Rooms across the U.S. NEISS uses a stratified sampling of 67-70 hospitals' emergency rooms that monitor injury trends 24/7 to aid in prevention activities correlating monthly reviews out of 5300 hospitals to separate work related and non-work related injuries.

The U.S. Dept of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) December 4, 2009 Report, where lower trunk (back) injuries being the most prominent, discloses a common denominator among other reporting agencies with like data - BLS, OSHA, CDC, to name a few. The underlying factor stated that resulted in the highest number of absences that directly correlates to the list below was overuse/overexertion (hyperextension) of muscles due to: (1) heavy lifting, (2) pushing, pulling or carrying heavy objects; (3) falls on the same level, (4) bodily reaction to avoid obstacle; (5) contact with object or equipment; (6) repetitive motion (tendonitis); (7) extremity or joint stress fractures; (8) carpal tunnel syndrome; (9) complex regional pain syndrome; and (10) fall to lower level. In a 2008 BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries, of the nearly 19 million state and local government workers with reported MSD injuries, firefighters and law enforcement personnel remain the highest among all workers with a 14.8 per 100 cases. Yet, this same report reflects that these state and local government workers ranked 1.5 times higher for the same injury than that of the private sector. While these statistics reflect high human capital costs for lost work time, medical costs and their ensuing socio-economic impact on the injured, OSHA and other organizations only collects data from a small portion of the private sector establishments within the U.S. or approximately 80,000 out of 7.5 million. Therefore the data does not effectively represent the majority of business, especially small business, where enumerating the data is impossible. Even state workman's compensation boards do not account for establishments with less than 15 employees so conclusions should not be drawn on this data alone.

The small business or self-employed injury affects the economic and social impact to a much greater extent where loss of time translates to loss of income for the self-employed. Numerous self-employed individuals interviewed stated they couldn't justify the cost-benefit ratio of workman's compensation insurance and choose to work 'at risk'. Drawing a parallel with a JAMA 2007 injury report and an Indiana Workers' Compensation report for that year, back injury accounted for more than 53% of all work-related injuries exacerbated by improper or repetitive motion-bending, twisting or lifting.

Succeeding to lower back injury, further data cites Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) as one of the highest maladies for absenteeism. A 1998 human capital cost reported three out of every 10,000 workers missed upwards of ten days at an aggregate cost of $30,000 per individual over a long time span. Surprised that CTS reported such high human capital cost, I decided to research this subject to clarify the misconception that CTS was a computer operator's nightmare. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a neuropathic malady in which the body's peripheral nerves become compressed or traumatized by injury within the carpal tunnel, a rigid passageway containing ligaments and bones surrounding the median nerve, usually at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, sans the little finger, as well as impulses to small muscles that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

Who is at risk for CTS? According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), women are three times as likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Another misconception, I assumed this was due to a higher percentage of workforce women in administrative jobs involving computer activity. Not true. In fact, a 2001 Mayo Clinic report found that heavy computer use (averaging 7 hours per day) did not increase a person's chances of developing CTS.

Dispelling the myth. According to Dr. Mark Souder, Family Practice Physician in Auburn, Indiana with an active patient roster of over 8,500 and voted Indiana Doctor of the Year 2010, states "Women may appear more prone to this ailment because their carpal tunnel is simply smaller in size. By no means is this a woman's disorder. I see plenty of assembly line personnel with neuropathic and tendon disorders caused by a host of underlying circumstances. Sometimes it's simply defined as new job misery having little time to adjust to motor function change. Many times it is short-lived and classified as repetitive motion disorder such as bursitis or tendonitis. First I rule out congenital disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, overactive glandular activity, cysts and tumors. Then I determine if excessive repetition, vibration or mechanical problems of the wrist itself exist. Last year, under co-sponsorship by InMed, a company that evaluates new technologies, I trialed a new therapeutic modality-RiteTemp Medical on workers experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. RiteTemp employs anatomically correct optimum temperature cool therapeutic devices that are not cold like ice or gel. These devices effectively deliver continuous cooling in the mid 50's Fahrenheit so individuals can wear any of the RiteTemp devices without worrying about frostbite and its complications. It's a truly effective treatment coupled with conditioning and flexing the tendons and ligaments to accelerate healing and return to function of the affected area. What I discovered in my trial that's ideal about RiteTemp as a modality is higher patient compliance and a reduction of the need for pain medication."

The occupations at the highest risk for carpal tunnel were sewing machine operators and manufacturing assembly personnel requiring repetitive hand motion with intricate movements. Asking around I actually located a large U.S. based sewing operation, whose owner is proactive in thwarting workplace injuries. Hentz Manufacturing and Markfore's owner, Bob Hinty of Fort Wayne, Indiana is an advocate of preventative medicine and conditioning therapy for his workers. Hinty's facilities, one of the largest sewing, silk-screening and embroidery operations in the U.S. that offers exceptional quality, quick turn-around, specialized and custom sewing that from the high-end line of ladies handbags and computer cases to Disco Bed for mobile transport of military personnel in the field. Hinty, in his facilities, takes a personal approach daily to involve job conditioning, safety compliance and goes so far as customizing work stations to account for petite to the exceedingly tall worker, especially when workers rotate to different jobs.

"Human ergonomics has many facets and they all must co-exist harmoniously in a high volume production facility," states Hinty. "When cross-training is required, which involves atypical motor skill or non-ergonomic functions, my supervisors regularly employ the use of RiteTemp Medical therapeutic devices as part of body conditioning and training." His recipe for success is a mix of mechanical science and human ergonomics that produces a "work of art" in the high-end fashionable Cinda B line of specialized handbags and totes. Hinty is in the forefront overseeing implementation of a new production project on the Gerber Cutter with one of his employees wearing the RiteTemp Wrist-Forearm to thwart overexertion of using new muscles until the muscles become conditioned to atypical movement.

When it comes to addressing the baby boomer population that have been working for at least 3 decades, I was fortunate to have an orthopedic surgeon that is one of several doctors participating in a pain study involving the RiteTemp Medical cool therapy devices as pre- and post-surgical recuperative treatment. The perfect example below was echoed by Dr. Richard Steinfeld, Orthopedic Surgeon of Vero Beach, Florida who recently conducted arthroscopic surgery on a business owner, who is active on his feet daily, to clean out the torn ACL (acruciate ligament) and meniscus in his right knee joint. Removing the badly torn meniscus during the arthroscopy revealed the looming problem that faces this baby boomer and our aging workforce - arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.

Presumed from excessive rotation or torsion of the knee joint during high energy exercise, in this case, the patient experienced prolonged aggravation of the knee joint due to the repeated pounding pressure on the joint. Upon completion of the arthroscopy, I was privileged to have the opportunity to view the patient's injury and post-surgical outcome with Dr. Steinfeld. While the operation was successful, what was not initially revealed by the patient's pre-op X-Rays was degenerative arthritis, diagnosed as common among the baby boomer population from trying to be 'too healthy'. According to Dr. Steinfeld, former Navy flight surgeon who operates a private practice in Vero Beach, Florida, "The patient described herein who now has arthritis reported to Dr. Steinfeld and thereafter to me in his pre-operative interview that in his more youthful days he regularly ran five or more miles a day in hilly country, played racquetball twice weekly and actively pursued baseball as often as possible. We're invincible in our twenties and thirties. We're not invincible in our fifties. We ply tremendous torque on our joints by running. This patient is like many I see who has finally succumbed to arthritis.... He will need a total joint replacement in the very near future as he has bone on bone rubbing together, creating friction and discomfort. It's like having a flat tire."

As a participant in the pain study, the treatment prescribed by Dr. Steinfeld for this patient recuperating after arthroscopy outpatient surgery was to utilize the RiteTemp Active Knee as a regimen at first opportunity and continue wearing the cooling device as much as possible over the upcoming weeks. Different than all ice or gel cold therapy devices, this medical device can be worn without interruption as it does not get cold like ice or gel. It is a two-piece device with a live-hinge to flex appropriately on all body types as the knee bends during normal ambulation. While I was not privy to obtain a picture of this new active knee cool therapy device being used by this patient, an informational video describing this new "active modality" for physical therapy can be viewed at the YouTube site and refer to RiteTemp Medical Active Knee.

After a 30 day follow up with Dr. Steinfeld about this patient, Dr. Steinfeld reported that this patient was religious in utilizing the cooling device as often as possible and that pre-cooling of this patient's knee for one hour with the RiteTemp device prior to surgery in his opinion aided in reducing the typical post-surgical pain and swelling. He noted the patient reported only using Ibuprofen occasionally and did not take the prescribed pain medication reaffirming a higher patient compliance throughout the recuperation period and faster healing attributable to utilizing the RiteTemp as a better modality.

For more information on this "active medicine" technology visit the ritetempmedical.com website or email me at kathryndoh99@gmail.com and I'll gladly share worthy health information.

Kathryn Doherty, Consultant. Kathryn has twenty years of publishing articles and conducting medical research on the subject of heat stress and thermal management as it affects both people and animals.

Original article

Choosing Ergonomic Office Furniture For Work

If a good third of your day is spent sitting at a desk, you probably feel the need to get up and move around often. If your chair is especially uncomfortable and hard on your back, you certainly cannot be blamed for an extra break or two to keep the blood circulating. Eight hours a day in front of a computer, or merely at a desk with paperwork, is enough to wreak havoc on your posture and bring on more aches than you need. If you have the opportunity, you should choose furniture that is functional and ergonomic. Comfortable work furniture not only keeps you healthy on the job, but can increase productivity.

Once you decide it's time to get a new chair, desk, or other piece of furniture in your office, you must determine what models are right for you. The chair you'll sit on for eight hours must support your back and sit bones and help prevent you from hunching over your work. Some stores sell an unusual type of backless chair in which your knees rest on a pad while you work. Whether or not this type of chair is right for you can only be determined by you, and you may wish to give such a chair a test before committing to purchase. Otherwise, you can shop for ergonomic-style chairs via the internet or office furniture stores. Mesh backs, high armrests, and adjustable height are just three features one might find.

Other ergonomic items to consider:

Raised platforms for computer monitors. If your monitors are set on a desk that is low, this will cause you to look down constantly to see your work. In turn, you'll tend to hunch over and eventually experience back pain.
Wrist rests or ergonomic keyboards. If you took a typing class back in high school, you probably heard over and over again that you shouldn't have your arms on the desk as you type. Of course, many of us do it anyway, and this could lead to minor aches. Special keyboards or raised rests may help you work more ergonomically.

Making a few changes to the way you sit at work can have a positive effect on your output. Ergonomic furniture designed to help straighten your posture and improve your productivity is a worthwhile investment. If you can speak to a supervisor about changing up the furniture in your office, you give them the opportunity to see improvement.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on wood furniture and online furniture stores.

Original article

The Secrets Of Good Posture

It is important to maintain good posture to avoid health problems. This includes having good posture when sitting, standing or sleeping. When sitting, it is important to sit upright with the back straight and shoulders back. You should avoid sitting on the front edge of the chair. You should sit back against a lumbar support to help maintain the curve in the low back.

You should also sit with your head back keeping it over your shoulders to help maintain the normal curve that should exist in the neck. Distribute your body weight evenly over both hips. Keep your hips and knees at 90 degrees and avoid crossing your legs. You should keep your feet flat on the floor. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Get up and move around at least every 30 minutes.

It also helps to stretch and walk around. Adjust the height of the chair so that you can sit up close to the desk or table. This helps to avoid leaning forward which can cause misaligned bones of the spine. Rest your arms and elbows on the chair and keep the shoulders relaxed.

You should avoid lifting heavy or awkward objects by yourself. As a general rule, avoid lifting objects that are more than 30 pounds. If you are lifting, make sure that you plant both feet firmly on the ground. If the object is lower than your waist, maintain the arch in your back and avoid bending at the waist. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs rather than your back.

If you must change directions, turn your foot in the direction you want to go rather than twisting at the waist. The rest of the body will follow to avoid twisting. Take little steps and go slow. If you are lifting an object from a shelf or table, slide the object to the edge first, then hold the object close to your body when carrying. Avoid lifting objects that are above the waist.

When you are sleeping, you should also maintain good posture. You should sleep in a position that helps to maintain the natural curves in the back. If you like to sleep on your back, it may help to sleep with a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between the legs can help. Sleep with your legs slightly bent, keeping them together. Always avoid sleeping on your stomach as this can strain your back and neck. Sleeping on a firm mattress is the best to help support the spine.

- Nathan Leavitt DC

Dr. Leavitt continues to educate and help others through natural chiropractic. To learn more of him, go here: Knoxville chiropractic
You can also see what others have said about him by clicking here: Knoxville chiropractic

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Is Your Workspace Affecting Your Health?

Working behind a desk used to be considered one of the safest occupations. Because really, what can you do to yourself sitting in front of computer. Many new studies have begun to show this type of work can, in fact, be harmful to your health.

Have you ever heard of the term "ergonomics"? This is the study of how the human body relates to tools and equipment. This term defines how the body, its cognitive abilities, and its movements 'fit' with the devices you use. For instance, ergonomics would determine how your back fits in your office chair.

When you work behind a desk, how you 'fit' with your computer, desk chair, handsfree headset, or even your keyboard can directly affect your health.

Ergonomics and Your Health

Do you think your job is a pain in the neck? Well, it might literally be. Consider the following if you want to avoid health hazards in the workplace.

Sore Eyes- The Survey of Ophthalmology recently released a report staying that regular computer users face the risk of dealing with blurred vision, double vision, red eyes, tired eyes, and burning eyes. Why? Because individuals who stare at computers all day blink 60% less often than those who don't. This leaves the eyes open to dust and dry air, causing dry eye problems. To avoid this problem, take the time to look away from the computer at least once every half hour.
Back Pain- Cutting costs when it comes to your office chair may end up costing you a bundle in chiropractic bills. Poor ergonomics in your office chair can cause both acute and chronic pain in the back. To avoid this problem, the chair should be adjusted to the right height so you are facing the computer screen head on. The back of the seat should be at a 90° so you are sitting up straight, and the chair should provide lumbar support for your lower back.
Neck Pain-Cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder while you attempt to use the computer or perform other office tasks can quickly lead to neck pain, and, according to the BBC, can even lead to a mini-stroke. Neck pain can also be caused by have to look down at or up at computer screens. Instead of using a regular phone, consider investing in a handsfree headset. This will allow you to perform your office tasks while speaking to your clients. Also, be sure your computer screen is directly in front of your eyes so you do not have to bend your neck.
Noise- A recent study by Cornell found that office workers who were employed in noisier offices were more likely to feel stressed and not take the time to make simple ergonomic adjustments, like adjusting the height of their computer screen or chair. The study also found that using hands free headsets with noise cancelling qualities were able to block out noise in the office so workers could concentrate on work, be more productive, and focus on proper ergonomics.

While you may think that working behind a desk will keep you safe, think again. Without proper ergonomics, you could be facing some serious health hazards. Avoid health problems by investing in a great office chair, a handsfree headset, and making sure your workstation is adjusted so you are staring directly at the computer screen.

For more information on handsfree headsets, please visit Corporate Telecommunications. We are the leading distributor of headsets, handsets, audio conferencing, call recording and voice and data installation equipment. Whether you are purchasing equipment for a national call center, a small sales staff, or for personal use, we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction. With over 3,000 products to choose from, next working day delivery on 98% of all orders, and superior customer service, you can count on us for all of your telecommunication needs.

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Benefits of Ergonomic Accessories in the Work Place

There are many ergonomic issues that workers are exposed to in the office. Ergonomic accessories are specifically designed to make things more comfortable to use and reduce problems associated with work related injuries. Office workers should be encouraged to make use of ergonomic accessories in the work place. This will help them to work more comfortably and efficiently and also prevent injuries. There are a lot of benefits that a typical office worker can gain from using ergonomic accessories.

The first benefit is to reduce the incidents of work related injuries as mentioned above. For example, it has been noted that office workers who spend a lot of time sitting using computers are prone to back and neck problems and injuries. In order to reduce the occurrence of such injuries, ergonomic computer chairs and adjustable monitor risers are used. Ergonomic computer chairs are designed to provide adjustable back support when someone is using the computer. These ergonomic computer chairs are effective when used with an adjustable monitor riser and an ergonomic computer desk.

The other benefit of using ergonomic accessories at work is that it can save a lot of time. When workers get injuries at work, their absence means lost work time along with higher medical costs. Therefore, using ergonomic computer chairs and related ergonomic accessories improves work time efficiency. In addition, since an ergonomic computer chair is comfortable and alleviates discomfort, workers can sit on them for longer time without getting tired. This reduces breaks needed during work time.

The third benefit of ergonomic accessories is an increase in productivity. When workers are more comfortable, they are bound to be more productive as compared to when they are not comfortable. A worker using an ergonomic desk chair is more productive as compared to a worker who does not. There are also similar benefits provided by sit-stand ergonomic work stations. These increase efficiency because if a worker is tired of working while sitting they can stand and still continue working. Therefore, they can work while setting or standing.

Efficiency is another benefit provided by ergonomic accessories. An ergonomic desk is made to increase efficiency. This is because it can be used with other accessories such as an ergonomic footrest and back rest. This improves work efficiently since there is no discomfort. An ergonomic desk also makes work easier since the worker has mastered how to use the work station. In fact, the amount of time taken to complete tasks is reduced when using an ergonomic desk.

Finally, ergonomic accessories are highly beneficial because they can be customized. This means that they can be made to suit the workers and address their office needs. Ergonomic computer chairs can accommodate a variety of workers. This is opposed to the old system where only one type of computer chair was bought, and everyone is forced to use it. These ergonomic accessories are designed to suit different heights, size and weights along with the tools used by a worker. Employees who have certain conditions or those with disabilities can still work comfortably. Therefore, there are a lot of benefits that can be realized from using ergonomic accessories. The ergonomic office furniture and ergonomic accessories sold by Office Relief provide all the above mentioned benefits to office workers.

J Robert Johnson is the author of this article on ergonomic office furniture. Find more information, about ergonomic products here.

Original article

Sit Your Way Into Good Health With the Varier Variable Balans Chair

Being chained to your desk, whether at home or in the office, might mean being productive, but it certainly does not bode well for your body. For this reason, a whole new science, referred to as ergonomics, was born and applied to chair design. The discipline is focused on finding ways to ensure, that despite the many hours you sit in front of the computer, it will not take a toll on your spine and overall health.

Among the most famous of the ergonomically-designed chairs is the Varier Variable Balans Chair - the original kneeling chair.

Features

Developed by Hans Christian Mengshoel together with designer Peter Opsvik in 1979, the Varier Variable Balans Chair is believed to be the benchmark when you talk about kneeling chair design. It was created so that when you sit, you appear to be kneeling. This is because the thighs are positioned at an angle of about 60 to 70 degrees with your shins resting on a padded "shin rest" and supporting some of your body weight.

Aside from this, Varier Variable Balans Chair offers additional unique features. For starters, it encourages active sitting via forward sloped seats and the curved runners, which allow for gentle rocking motion. Its design also allows for variation in movement, which is important in the science of ergonomics.

The idea behind the Varier Variable Balans Chair is simple --- tilt forward as you work and rock backward as you relax. The important thing is whichever position you are in, your spine is perfectly and completely supported.

Benefits

The Varier Variable Balans Chair was designed to reduce strain on the lower back which results from prolonged sitting. This is accomplished by putting the body in a leaning position, which forces you to straighten your back and maintain the "S" position to promote spinal alignment.

In addition, the chair's unique design will also force your abdominal muscles and upper thigh muscles to work continuously while taking pressure off your lower lumbar and preventing shoulder and neck tension.

Of course, with your back straight and your body in constant motion, you will eventually reap the following health benefits:

- Improved oxygen and blood circulation

- Increased oxygen intake

- Improved mental concentration and creativity

- Increased alertness

- Increased energy

Not surprisingly, the Varier Variable Balans Chair is not only ideal for adults but also recommended for adolescents as its benefits improve their homework performance.

Wellness Matters

If you are suffering from lower back pain and bad posture, you know it is time to invest in a proper chair. With its modern and versatile design, the Varier Variable Balans Chair delivers on its promise to improve your posture and promote overall health.

For more information on the Varier Variable Balans chair, visit http://www.fountainheadint.com/.

Original article

Varier Gravity Chair - Defying Gravity in Absolute Comfort

Reinventing the chair is a good idea if the purpose is to improve posture and well being. A well thought-out concept for seating will not be confined to securing our backs and bottoms, it will be designed to rejuvenate the entire body and mind. This is where the Varier Gravity Chair delivers while many others fall short. The science of ergonomics has taught us that the things we use on a day to day basis can work to our detriment. The regular upright chair for instance can indeed be harmful to our health.

Defying Gravity

Varier Gravity Chair allows your body to defy gravity and remove all the pressure that you would otherwise experience with a regular home or office chair. This chair is designed to take care of the entire body, from the head, shoulders, back, arms and legs. It is so much more than a recliner. It is highly adjustable and allows you to sit upright, lounge back and even raise your legs above your chest to promote proper blood circulation. It is contoured in such a way as to provide maximum support for the neck and spine, and the extremities.

Help for Home-Based Workers

The growth of home-offices has added to the growing demand for ergonomically-correct chairs. When you work from home you are not bound by the regimented hours in a formal office environment. Sometimes people who work from home get caught up in the project they are doing that they sometimes forget to rest and recharge. With the Varier Gravity Chair, the worker can work in various comfortable positions without putting a strain on their bodies. They can also unwind without getting up by simply repositioning themselves for a power nap.

The Varier Gravity Chair has also been making waves in the office environment. Business owners have now gained awareness about the importance of securing the comfort and safety of their people in their own work spaces while improving their work output. The quality of the power nap afforded by the Varier Gravity Chair not only boosts energy, it stretches the productive hours of employees by pumping up their work juices.

Personal or Business Use

If you care for your health and that of your loved ones then you cannot go wrong with the Varier Gravity Chair. If you are a business owner who wants to retain energetic and productive employees, you would do well to invest in this piece of office furniture.

For more information on the Varier line of active sitting solutions, visit http://www.fountainheadint.com/.

Original article