Working from home? Top tips for a healthy back and good working posture
As many of you are now working from home, I thought it might be worth going through a few pointers about how to do this healthily. I am already seeing quite a few patients who have aggravated their backs and necks within the first few days of isolation.
• If possible, designate a specific area in your home for working and always work at a table, sitting on a chair, rather than on the sofa or in bed.
• The top of your screen should be level with your eyebrows and if you are working from a laptop, make sure you are not hunching over the screen. If you don’t want to invest in a computer stand, place sturdy books, for example shopping catalogues, under your laptop so that you can adjust the level of the screen to fit your eye line.
• Use a detachable keyboard and mouse whenever possible, as this will ensure that your movement is not restricted and you are not placing unnecessary strain on your back.
• Taking regular breaks is extremely important. Be sure to move around every 20-30 minutes. An easy way to ensure that you get away from your desk is to set a loud alarm in another room.
• When making phone calls, take the opportunity to get up from your desk and move around as you talk, preferably using an earpiece.
• Embrace the privacy of working from home by doing regular stretches.
Andrew Doody – Osteopath at Shine, Church Street