Due to the extension of the lockdown most individuals will be working from home for a longer period of time. It is important that individuals are aware of common injuries that may occur when safe work practices are not implemented.
Over 60% of the Australian’s are working from home and therefore, it is critical practicing good posture and having a proper home set-up to prevent injuries or pain development. Below are 4 common injuries that can occur when working from home and ways to prevent them from occurring as approved by our Physiotherapists:
Lower back pain – this is one of the most common injuries when working from home and it is caused by bad posture, dangling feet, hunching over the laptop, sitting at the couch/bed while working. Ways to prevent lower back pain is to sit on an ergonomic chair that supports your back, practicing good posture, having your feet rested on the floor and doing back stretches often.
Neck pain – is another one of the most common injuries and is caused when individuals lean forward towards their laptop. Ways to prevent this injury is to have the laptop at an appropriate height where screen is at eye level, while sitting back on the backrest with your feet supported on the floor, which will help maintain the neck in an appropriate position.
Carpal tunnel – It is a compression of the median nerve which results in symptoms of numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm. Ways to prevent this injury from occurring is to have hands and wrists in line with the forearms, holding elbows close to your sides, and having the wrist in a neutral position.
Shoulder pain – It can be caused by slouching and by not having the work-desk at an appropriate height. To prevent this injury, good posture should be maintained, by adjusting the monitor height or having your laptop at eye level.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome#treatment
Title: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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