I have a meeting with my occupational health team at work. does anyone have any tips or suggestions of adjustments I can suggest to make work days more bearable?
I recently returned to work and had an evaluation done of my work station. I am in IT and spend a lot of time at my desk. I have a sit stand station which allows me to sit and stand through the day. I have two chairs one for full sit and one for a higher sit. This combination gives me numerous positions to work from which has really helped because I have to change position every 20 minutes. I also have a fatigue mat ro stand on and several different cushions to use based on what is hurting that day. All of this helps me work a longer day. Still working up to 8 hours but my body doesn't hurt nearly as much as before I received my work station adjustments. Good luck!
I agree with all of the above. I also have to get up and walk (or even stand) near my desk to not get so stiff. I keep a heating pad at my desk and use it on the back of my chair when needed. It's hardly noticeable but really helps on the bad days. I always have a drawer full of goodies. Things like bio-freeze roll on, Lidoderm patches which can be cut up and put on small areas of discomfort (these are prescription patches) but they sell similar patches at the drugstore. Many physical therapists have told me to raise my computer screen so that it is eye level. But most importantly for me is stretching. Sometimes I will have to go into the ladies room in my office and stretch because it can be embarrassing but I have to do it! Good luck and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure I forgot things!
I agree with ForsakenAngel And would add a few things based on my work as a massage therapist:
Most desk workers have bad neck and back/shoulder pain, plus low back pain. First of all the human head weighs about 10 lbs. but the further forward you hold your head (to read, type, or even text/use cell phone) the small muscles in the sides & back of the neck have to support more than they do when your head/ear is above the shoulder; straining them and causing trigger points. The further forward your head is held makes the weight on those small muscles feel like as much as 42 pounds! Remember, ears above the shoulders. Also about every 15 minutes look over your screen and focus your eyes on something far away (gives the small muscles supporting the eye a rest). Also, stand up every half hour or so to take the pressure off your low back and keep circulation going. I also tell my clients to relieve pain in the shoulder blade area from leaning over the keyboard etc. to sit or stand straight and move your shoulder blades so they can touch each other, this opens up the pecs in the front and releases the strain to muscles operating the upper back. Hope this helps too. BTW another really good thing to do is get a massage monthly or more often if you can :D
@A MyFibroTeam Member @A MyFibroTeam Member Both amazingly helpful. Thank you both !
@A MyFibroTeam Member I'm rather sensitive to noise, temperature and light, yes.
I work in contracts so it a lot of desk work, sitting in front of a scream for large amounts of the day