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What Your Poorly Designed Workstation is Doing to You (& How to Better Support Your Body)



With a significant increase in remote workstations, we’ve seen a substantial increase in body aches and pains. Even if you’re back in the office, you may not have your workspace set up correctly.


If that’s the case, you’re actually doing some harm to your musculoskeletal system.


The good news is that it’s a relatively easy fix. Chiropractors are experts in working out the dysfunctions of the soft tissues and joints, but they also provide invaluable insight into how you can better take care of your body, keeping it strong and healthy.



This post will tell you:

  • Injuries that can happen because of your workstation setup

  • Symptoms based on your workspace

  • Chiropractic solutions to help heal injuries related to your workstation

  • Benefits of chiropractic care

  • How to properly set up your workspace

  • And more



If you want to learn how chiropractic care can help you find comfort and how to get the optimal workstation design, this article is just for you.



Symptoms & Conditions Due to Improper Workstation Setup

Many conditions can occur when we sit for too long, sit with poor posture, or sit at an improperly set up workstation. All of these situations are connected and can contribute to many body imbalances and even lead to chronic injuries and pain.



Common discomforts that your workstation may be causing include:

  • Low back pain

  • Neck discomfort or loss of range of motion

  • Headaches

  • Shoulder pain

  • Radiating pain from the neck into the back

  • Hip pain

  • Hand and wrist pain

  • Inability to focus or be productive

  • Lethargic behavior



Why you may experience these symptoms:

  • Poor posture

  • Inactivity for long periods

  • Poor ergonomics

  • Incorrect monitor and mouse locations

  • Incorrect seat height

  • Poor lumbar support

  • Eye strain

  • Neck strain



When areas of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons) are overworked, other areas of the body have to compensate for that, and while you may not notice this happening at first, over time, you may experience discomfort that can worsen and spread.



Conditions you may receive due to your improperly designed workspace include:

  • Sprains and strains

  • Disc herniation (disc bulge)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Inflammation

  • Pinched nerve



While these conditions range in severity, even minor injuries can be very painful. Getting chiropractic help at the first sign of discomfort is always the smartest move.



Chiropractic Solutions for Pain Due to Your Workstation Set Up

Chiropractic services are designed to safely, naturally, and effectively reduce pain through non-invasive services that align, balance, and stabilize soft tissues, joints, and bones. When the body is in pain, it’s telling you it needs attention.


An experienced chiropractor will put a plan in place that finds the cause of your pain and remedies it at its source, providing in-clinic services, take-home exercises, and education on how you can support your body while working.



Common chiropractic services that can help your workstation discomfort include:



You can trust that your Lawrence chiropractic team will get you healthy and give you the tools to stay that way.



Benefits of chiropractic care include:

  • Natural healing process

  • Improved circulation

  • Improved comfort and movement patterns

  • Ongoing guidance on healthy living

  • Improved strength

  • Joint and soft tissue health

  • Improved concentration

  • Reduced stress and anxiety

  • Improved sleep quality

  • Improved energy


Steps to Set Up Your Workstation

Step 1: Set up your monitor at eye level; this allows your neck to stay neutral and reduces stress on the neck muscles.


Step 2: Ensure your mouse and keyboard are close, so you’re not exerting your arms and shoulders or forcing your wrists to do more work than necessary.


Step 3: If you can get an ergonomic chair, that’s best, but if not, roll a towel or blanket or use a pillow behind your low back for support.


Step 4: Keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle while working, typing, writing, etc., and keep your knees at a 90-degree angle while sitting, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor.


You should incorporate movement into your day- every half hour if possible. Stand, walk, stretch, bend, and roll the head, shoulders, and wrists several times throughout your workday.


If you have trouble remembering to do this, feel free to set a timer. These simple movements may seem insignificant, but they greatly contribute to your body’s function.




Let Us Help You Set Up Your Workstation Safely

If you want to work safely and keep your body comfortable, contact our Lawrence chiropractic clinic today. Our team will get you restored and energized and provide insight into keeping your body safe while working.


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