Workplace Ergonomics Screening
What is Ergonomics?
The word ‘ergonomics’ comes from the Greek words ‘ergon’ which means work, and ‘nomos’ which means natural laws. Ergonomics can thus can be defined simply as the natural laws of work. More specifically, ergonomics is the scientific study of designing the job and workplace to fit the worker, keeping in mind their capabilities and limitations. Ergonomics combines the knowledge from other scientific disciplines like anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, engineering, psychology, and statistics to ensure that workplace designs complement the strengths of people and minimize the effects of their limitations.
Ergonomics is also known as human factors, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Ergonomists and human factors specialists seek to understand how a workplace, product, tool, or system can be best designed to fit the people who need to use it. The goal is to apply this knowledge to improve system and human performance, productivity, while also focusing on the health, safety, and well-being of the individuals involved.
Why YOU should care about Ergonomics?
As with most things, prevention is better than a cure. However, the problem with not understanding proper workstation ergonomics, is that you do not know what to look for. Do you notice the strain or tension in your muscles? Do you notice how you have been sitting with a slumped posture and forward head? You might simply attribute that achy discomfort to getting older. The truth is, our bodies are not designed to sit in constricted positions staring at a computer screen all day. Thus we slouch, push our heads forward, and look closely at the screen simply because it feels more comfortable that way. We are able to deal with it from day to day. Until we can’t.
By learning about and applying proper ergonomics, you will minimize the risks associated with prolonged sitting at a computer workstation all day and reduce your chances of developing repetitive strain injuries, and reduce future medical expenses. In addition to better health, you will also become more effective and productive, and find working a more enjoyable experience.
How Can Dr. J Help?
Work space evaluation, whether you are in a job setting or a student, can reveal important health information to me as your chiropractor. It is an important piece of the puzzle that is one of the keys to improved health and well-being through maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system.
There is a balance between the alignment of your spine to the rest of your body in relationship to your environment around you. How you stand, sit, sleep, study, work on the computer, or text on your device, all come into play with relationship to neuromuscular health and overall wellness.
By taking a look at your posture as you move through your day and scrutinize your workspace ergonomically, I will help you be able to understand the relationship between them and how tweaking the flaws can have a dramatic effect on your health.
As your chiropractor, I will pinpoint where there is a problem and then help you make the needed changes in your work environment. Each patient will have individual assessment in this area as part of their treatment plan with me. I will help you see the importance of being ergonomically correct throughout your day and connect it to the importance of how chiropractic and wellness care can help you achieve this needed balance naturally and efficiently.