Ergonomic Workstations...discussion

[newnickname]

I've been suffering from back and shoulder pain throughout my short career behind the desk, so I'm asking for any advice from the veteran desk jockeys on how I can maintain good posture and health.

How do you approach your need for a better environment to your employer? Should you purchase your own if it seems over the top? The chair that was bought for me is nice, so I'm trying not to offend by requesting something twice as expensive.

On another note. Maybe we can have a contest to see who has the best workstation. I could use some ideas for my home office. One idea I had was to make a hydraulic desk so I could work standing up or sitting down.

 

[trl2008]

This web site has a lot of information:

http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/Ergonomics/compergo.htm

Hope it helps.

 

[greenone]

Actually, sit-stand workstations are an accommodation many large employers are willing to make. The furniture isn;t cheap, but it is cheaper than long-term chiropratic care.
How big is your firm? If no one has responsibility for injury/illness prevention, you'll have to do your own research. 3M had a very good diagram of correct posture and seating position. I don;t have the link, but I have a pdf. If I knew how to include it here, I would.

 

[VTBonnie]

Some personal experience I've had was more related to wrist pain issues. Using a standard mouse and a small wrist rest, I got to the point where I was wrapping my wrist in a heating pad after work because of the pain. I found a mouse that made the pain completely go away. I'm not at my work computer right now, but it's a Microsoft mouse called the ergo natural mouse, or something like that. There are other similar ergonomic mice (mouses?). The key is the hand position while using the mouse. Instead of my palm facing down, it faces more to the side. Kind of like the way it would be if shaking hands with someone. It was a miracle for me, and I got my company to pay for it.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I had a sit/stand workstation for many years of very long days.

It comprised an ancient four-poster drafting table with a (pipe and plywood) monitor platform suspended a foot or so above the drafting surface, and a tall stool with a round wooden seat. Cushioned seats get very uncomfortable after 12 hours or so.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[francesca]

I have a kneeling chair which I bought myself and a yoga ball chair which I also bought myself. The only time I use the office chair is when I have upper back pain (due to previously torn shoulder ligaments on the rugby field) and have to use my heat pad.

Important things are:
- having your monitor(s) at eye level
- having your monitor(s) directly in front of you
- being able to get close enough to your keyboard/mouse while your chair is at the correct height
- getting up and stretching your legs (get water/coffee/go to the bathroom/pick something up off the printer) once every half hour
- sleep on your back with one contoured pillow
- have a good, firm mattress or sleep on the floor
- walk around barefoot as much as possible (when not in the office...)
- a lot of lower back pain is referred pain from tight leg muscles

 

[newnickname]

Update. I made a trip to Staples and bought a monitor stand, adjustable foot rest, and a lumber pillow. My workstation is much more ergonomically correct. My office manager insisted on reimbursing my expenses too. Thanks for all the great advice so far.