The pandemic caused by the coronavirus resulted in many changes in the daily lives of most people. All over the world, many companies have chosen to implement the teleworking system with their employees in order to avoid contagion. However, there is one consequence that most people suffer from. Teleworking can cause postural pain.
Why does teleworking cause postural pain?
Postural pain occurs as a result of teleworking at home. But why does this happen when we do the same tasks as we do in the office? The house is not set up like an office. The furniture in the house does not allow you to be in a correct position in front of the computer for several hours.
When these days are repeated, they feel uncomfortable, which increases. In addition to the discomfort of not being in the right room, there is the stress created by isolation. This can also cause postural pain. The causes that cause this pain are:
- Long-term desk work in poor posture.
- Repetition of movements that cause the spine to twist.
- Move or lift heavy objects.
- Poor arm or wrist support overloads the shoulders.
- If you bend your legs less than 90 degrees, your lower back will also be strained.
- Obesity.
- Lack of physical condition.
The most common consequences are pain in the neck, shoulders and arms, pain in the lower back, sciatic nerve, and tendinitis of the wrists or elbows. Added to this is the discomfort when working with digital screens. It is a problem that can be minimized by providing the appropriate lighting in the area.
Prevention can help avoid physical discomfort
Eating a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D prevents obesity and osteoporosis. Exercise to strengthen the back muscles is important. You can be aerobics, walking, even inside the house, or watch the practice of an aerobics class online.
Other good options are to practice yoga or not to smoke, as smoking reduces blood flow to the lower back. Drinking plenty of water also helps. Correct work posture prevents postural pain
There are a few important points to keep in mind that can also be helpful:
- Pay attention to the posture, whether you are standing or sitting.
- Ideally, the back of the chair takes into account the curvature of the back. If you don’t have an ergonomic chair, using a pillow is a great option. It should be placed in the lower back to relieve the lumbar area between the backrest and the back of the chair.
- The seat height must be sufficient so that the entire sole of the foot can be supported on the floor or on a footrest.
- The monitor, keyboard and mousse must be placed in the correct position. In front of the body and at the right distance. The top of the monitor should line up with your eyes.
- Try to switch jobs so you don’t get too many repetitions of the same task.
- From time to time, gently stretch your muscles to relieve tension.
- Take a short break every two hours.
At some point the Covid 19 threat will stop and the mandatory isolation will be a bad memory. Probably some of the customs acquired in the process remain in force. Teleworking is one of them, and it’s important to avoid the postural pain it can cause.
