Desk Job Pain: Remedies for a Healthier Work Life
Why your desk job is causing you so much pain
It’s a fact these days that the large majority of the working population are spending long hours sitting in front of a computer for our jobs. This modern era of technological progress has caused an abrupt change in working society to keep many of us behind a desk for up to 8 hours a day, with little or no breaks in routine or posture. This digital revolution has led us to becoming a more static population, and studies are overwhelmingly showing that sitting all day at a desk isn’t good for you in a variety of different ways.
Not only is sitting all day responsible for things like high blood pressure and heart disease, it’s also responsible for a whole host of other minor niggles and muscular pains that could lead to long term pain and discomfort. Common symptoms are muscle tightness, limited range of motion, low back aches and knee pain. Sitting all day can cause tight hamstrings, pectoral muscles and hip flexors, which is a recipe for back pain and bad posture.
Those who sit at a desk for long periods of time tend to hunch their shoulders and head forward, causing tight chest muscles and weaker upper-back muscles. The hip flexors on your upper thigh also shorten while sitting and pull the pelvis forward, causing lower back pain. People with this type of muscular imbalance typically stand or sit with the head pulled forward and the back rounded. This type of poor posture is called kyphosis.
Knee and hip pain can also result from muscular imbalances in the legs. When sitting for long periods of time, many women will cross their legs, and over time, this can cause the muscles in the inner thighs to become tight. When the inner thighs become too tight, they can begin to rotate the femur bone (thigh bone), which can lead to knee pain. Conversely, men typically have the opposite problem. Because men sit with their legs in a more open position, the outer thigh muscles can become tight, causing sciatic pain (pain down the back of the leg).
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What can be done to overcome these issues and improve your work conditions?
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 place specific requirements on employers with the aim of protecting workers from the health risks associated with DSE. These duties also apply to the self-employed.
We can provide comprehensive DSE assessments to any individual workplace, business or organisation nationwide to meet these H&S regulations, and help reduce long-term absenteeism in the workplace due to muscular-skeletal pain and ongoing health issues.
Our team of qualified and experienced assessors will visit your premises to carry out a comprehensive DSE assessment. During the assessment, we will identify any potential hazards and offer practical solutions to minimise risk and improve comfort for your employees. Our DSE assessments include a full written report of the existing workstation which helps both line managers and the person assessed identify any issues with current setups, as well as recommending any specific products that may assist on a proactive basis with regards to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).
We understand that each organisation is unique, that is why our approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of any business. Whether you are a start-up, a large corporation or an individual lone worker, we offer flexible and cost-effective solutions to ensure compliance with DSE regulations. With early intervention and the introduction of the correct equipment and training on workplace ergonomics, we can help reduce the risk of long-term absenteeism and assist with your duty of care.
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Conclusion
Incorporating simple changes can make a world of difference in alleviating desk job discomfort. Prioritise DSE assessments, ergonomic adjustments, embrace regular movement breaks, and cultivate mindful stress-relief techniques. By taking proactive steps, you can transform your work routine into a healthier and more enjoyable experience.