Problem Solve Tricky Ergonomic Situations

Whether you’re sitting for eight hours at a desk or 30 minutes at the dinner table, you can learn how to sit in a way that maintains the health and strength of your body. Ergonomic sitting posture is a way of sitting that optimizes comfort and efficiency in the work environment. Knowing how to sit at your workstation can reduce your risk of pain, discomfort, and work-related injuries, avoiding conditions like Forward Head Posture. Here’s how to sit properly, even if your workplace makes it difficult.

How to Sit Ergonomically

Your sitting posture doesn’t only affect your neck and back – you can also feel bad posture in your hips, knees, and ankles. Sitting too low in your chair, for example, can cause tightness in your hips and hamstrings. Sit with your hips about shoulder-width apart in your desk chair, and your knees lined up with your feet (at about a 90-degree angle). Don’t cross your legs while sitting in a chair, as this can cause abnormalities with your muscles from one side to the other. Your feet should rest on a flat surface.

Workstation Ergonomics

Make sure your chair has ample back support, allowing you to keep your backbone straight comfortably. Use your keyboard with wrists out straight to type. Only set your wrists on a rest during breaks, not while typing. Place your mouse somewhere close to the keyboard to limit how far you must reach. The chair you purchase can significantly help your posture and physique. Many companies create ergonomic office chairs just for this purpose.

Ergonomic Problem-Solving: 3 Tips

Many people find themselves in situations that make it difficult to retain good, ergonomic sitting posture. For example, many workplaces may not make ergonomic desk chairs a priority. Many employees may have to adjust to work conditions that make it difficult to sit in a way that’s good for the body. If you’re in one of these tricky situations, try one of these tips:

  1. Take a break every half an hour. Regardless of your sitting position, take a break once every half an hour. Get up and walk around the office. Stretch your limbs and shake off any stiffness before resuming your seat.
  2. Practice good posture at home. The more your body gets used to assuming the proper seated position, the easier it will be for you to sit properly regardless of your office chair. Make good posture second nature by practicing in the car and at home.
  3. Speak to your supervisor. If your chair is causing you aches and pains, talk to your supervisor about replacing it with an ergonomic model.

Take your health into your own hands by learning how to use ergonomic sitting posture while at work, regardless of the setting. It’s up to you to look after your physical wellbeing at work. Sit comfortably even in tough situations.

If you are suffering from ergonomic pain or discomfort, contact our physical therapy clinics in Malta – Saratoga Springs at 518-289-5242 , or Queensbury – Glens Falls at 518-289-5242.

Watch these Capital Area Physical Therapy YouTube videos for more information, tips and suggestions on how to improve your ergonomic environment: