ERGONOMICS & POSTURE

 

SPECIAL REPORT

 

 

 

Everything You Need to

 

Know About Ergonomics and Posture

 

At Work and at Home

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Thank you for requesting the “Ergonomics and Posture Special Report.”  The American Medical Information Society which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Shelby Glazer who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Society and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

 

 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering,

 

Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

Don’t delay.

 

 

 

Early treatment means

 

 earlier relief and faster healing.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Q. What is Ergonomics?

 

 

 

A. One definition states that Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the worker, instead of forcing the worker to fit the job. For example, when you sit at a desk and type for hours on end, you may develop back pain, wrist pain, and carpel tunnel disease.  But the science of ergonomics is not limited solely to workplace situations. Each of us encounters seating ergonomics when we drive a car, fly on an airplane, or watch a movie at the movie theater.

 

We all know bad ergonomics when we must sit in an uncomfortable seat for many hours.  To paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart, “I may not be able to define ergonomics, but I know it when I feel it.”  Ergonomics touches almost every aspect of our lives.  Today’s designers and engineers must factor good ergonomics into their products.  Even the lowly vegetable slicer has become a candidate for ergonomic re-engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  How can poor ergonomics cause injuries to the body?

 

 

 

A.  Repetition, awkward positions and posture, and excessive pressure or force can lead to injury at work or at home.  The majority of workplace injuries involve muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments or nerves of the body and are known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

 

 

 

Q.  What are examples of common musculoskeletal disorders?

 

 

 

A. 

 

·       Neck & Back Injuries – These are the most common of all MSDs and include sprain/strain, spinal arthritis, disc herniations, subluxations (misalignment of a bone causing nerve irritation), and spinal stenosis, etc.

 

·       Tendonitis – Inflammation of a tendon (where a muscle attaches to a bone).

 

·       Carpal Tunnel – Compression of the median nerve, causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist.

 

·       Tennis Elbow – Inflammation to the outer side of elbow causing pain and tenderness.

 

·       Sprain / Strains – Stretching or tearing of a ligament or muscle.

 

·       Bursitis – Inflammation of a bursa (fluid filled sac located in the joint)

 

·       Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Compression of the nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are some symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries?

 

 

 

A.  Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, joint pain, sciatica, pinched nerve sensation, discomfort, muscle weakness, swelling, stiffness, inflammation, numbness, tingling, burning sensation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What makes MSDs in the workplace so prevalent?

 

 

 

A.  With the increase in computer usage in the workplace over the past two decades, it is very common for people to be spending hours at a time at their desk.  Working on the computer or using a phone for most of the day puts a significant amount of stress on the joints and muscles of the back, neck, shoulders and wrists.  This repetition of stress day after day causes cumulative trauma on the body and greatly affects your overall health and performance.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are some common activities that may lead to a MSD?

 

 

 

A. 

·       Repetition - Thousands of typing keystrokes, hours of filing, static posture (holding or maintaining a position), hammering or sawing, frequent lifting, using the computer mouse, etc.

 

·       Awkward Positions - Leaning forward at your desk, typing with wrists at odd angles, raising shoulders while typing or on phone, twisting neck to view monitor or phone, lifting objects from below the waist or above the shoulders.

 

·       Excessive Force – Pounding computer keys, pushing, pulling or lifting heavy objects.

 

 

 

 

Q.  What is the best way to lift something?

 

 

 

A.  Plant your feet firmly - get a stable base.

 

Bend at your knees, not your waist.

 

Tighten your core abdominal muscles to support your spine.

 

Get a good grip and use both hands.

 

Keep the object close to your body.

 

Use your leg muscles as you lift.

 

Keep your back upright and in its natural posture.

 

Avoid twisting and lifting - face the object, lift, then turn.

 

Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking.

 

Breathe - If you must hold your breath to lift it, it is too heavy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What can I do to prevent being injured at work?

 

 

 

A.  The following are examples of ergonomic strategies you use to avoid developing a musculoskeletal disorder:

 

 

 

·       Avoid leaning forward at your desk.

 

·       Keep your feet supported on the floor or foot rest. 

 

·       Position your keyboard slightly lower than the desk, or adjust the chair so your arms and shoulders rest naturally during typing.

 

·       Don’t pound the keys.  Use only light touching.

 

·       Position equipment and office supplies within easy reach.

 

·       Keep your monitor placed in front of you, not to the side.

 

·       Get a phone headset.

 

·       Hold the mouse lightly and get a wrist support mouse pad.

 

·       Use proper lifting techniques.

 

·       TAKE MINI BREAKS FREQUENTLY AND STRETCH!

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What should I do if my symptoms persist?

 

 

 

A.  If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, pain in the shoulders, migraine headaches, pain tingling or numbness in the wrist, hands, or fingers, or sciatica, you may have a musculoskeletal condition that needs attention.

 

 

 

Getting checked by your local Chiropractor is the first step to getting relief.  Reacting quickly to the signs and symptoms of an MSD is the key to success.  The longer the condition exists, the greater the chance of it developing into a serious condition.

 

 

 

Q.  How can Chiropractic help?

 

 

 

A.  Chiropractic treatment re-aligns the spinal bones into proper position eliminating nerve pressure, muscle spasms, and inflammation.  When performed by a board certified Chiropractor, relief of pain and symptoms associated with MSDs are very common.  Most patients find they are greatly helped by a non-surgical, drug free solution to their problems. Don’t wait another minute if you or a loved one is suffering.  You’ve come to the right place for help.

 

 

 

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit to the Chiropractor?

 

 

 

A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome and a smile.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care. 

 

 

 

Q.  Does insurance cover Chiropractic care?

 

 

 

A.  Yes.  As the demand for Chiropractic care increases, most insurance companies have plans that include Chiropractic benefits.  If your insurance company does not, or if you do not have insurance, most Chiropractors accept other low cost, flexible payment alternatives. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery,

 

 

 

Call Dr. Glazer for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

 

 

 During your consultation, Dr. Glazer will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

 

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Shelby Glazer 

 

 

 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

 

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.

 

The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Glazer. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Glazer in his office.