Ergonomics @ Work Ontario Chiropractic Association www.chiropractic.on.ca oca@chiropractic.on.ca
Office Ergonomics Today we will: Identify the risks for poor spine health at work Provide prevention of office related injury Suggestions how to improve poor ergonomics
Your back supports your upper body while protecting your spine and allowing for flexibility. Four natural: neck, middle back, lower back and tailbone Your spine contains 24 vertebrae separated by discs to absorb shock, fluid inside the discs allows movement Too much of the wrong movement can cause wear and tear Jill A. Hayden, Maurits W. van Tulder, Antti V. Malmivaara, and Bart W. Koes Annals 2005 142: 765-775. (in ) Meta-Analysis: Exercise Therapy for Nonspecific Low Back Pain SURVEY OF CANADIAN ADULTS:BACK PAINPrepared for: The Canadian Chiropractic Association Prepared by: Environics Research Group Limited May 2003
Back Pain Back pain is one of the most common causes of lost time at work: Low back pain affects 85% of working population Over 50% of sufferers find back pain affects their quality of life and limits recreational activities Jill A. Hayden, Maurits W. van Tulder, Antti V. Malmivaara, and Bart W. Koes Annals 2005 142: 765-775. (in ) Meta-Analysis: Exercise Therapy for Nonspecific Low Back Pain SURVEY OF CANADIAN ADULTS:BACK PAINPrepared for: The Canadian Chiropractic Association Prepared by: Environics Research Group Limited May 2003
What is Ergonomics? Using scientific information and techniques to position your body relative to your surroundings to minimize Physical Stress. For example, positioning your desk chair at the appropriate height.
Identifying the Risks Common causes of back strain at work: Lifting heavy/awkward loads Long periods of standing Long periods of sitting Poor posture Poorly designed work stations Poorly fitted chair Computer screens sitting at wrong height or angle
Preventative Tips If your job means you’re sitting all day: Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder Avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees Try to arrange your desk so items are within arms reach Centre your computer monitor so the first line of text is eye level People affected include: Office workers Teachers
Preventative Tips Think Outside the Box Get a good chair Sit right Home offices can also be changed to help your spine: Get a good chair Sit right Check your computer set-up Reduce eyestrain Stretch
Tips for Posture and Sitting Do: Sit close to your work Sit on a chair and place feet on floor Support your back in an arched position Avoid repetitive bending, twisting and reaching Use arm rests to reduce stress to the upper body and neck
Tips for Posture and Sitting Don’t: “Slump-sit” – lower back should be supported Lean forward/downward to reach work Sit for long periods of time- GET UP Sit on the floor Cradle the phone in the crook of your neck
Chiropractic Care Chiropractors use manual therapies to treat neuro- musculoskeletal disorders, including: Acute and chronic injuries and conditions Back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, chronic pain, osteoarthritis and many more Chiropractors also assist their patients with: nutrition, exercise programs, lifestyle and work habits
Chiropractic Care Chiropractic is a regulated health profession More than 6,500 chiropractors in Canada Each year more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor Chiropractors are primary health care professionals. 4. Miller W. Use of Alternative Health Care Practitioners by Canadians. Canadian Journal of Public Health 1997; 5. Government of Canada’s Chiropractic Act, 1991
Chiropractic Care Chiropractors consistently receive among the highest patient satisfaction ratings because patients report: Chiropractors listen Chiropractors understand their condition Treatment was effective
Ontario Chiropractic Association More Information For further information, please contact my clinic or: Ontario Chiropractic Association 200-20 Victoria St., Toronto, ON., M5C 2N8 Web: www.chiropractic.on.ca E-mail: oca@chiropractic.on.ca Phone: 416-860-0070 1-877-327-2273