The move toward work-from-home has changed the nature of productivity-however, it has also changed the way we sit, move and use our bodies without much comment. The problem of prolonged screen time, poor workspace design, and decreased physical activity is becoming a common problem that is interfering with posture and musculoskeletal health.
Long periods of inactivity on ergonomic chair pose strain on the neck, shoulders, lower back, and wrists. Most people complain about having chronic neck pains, stiffness in the back, headaches, and early eruption of repetitively straining injuries. In the long-run poor posture may cause long-term conditions of the spine, muscle imbalance and immobility.
The normality is what is alarming. Pain is usually disregarded as a mere annoyance and not as an omen. Unless they undergo corrective measures, these problems can deteriorate as chronic musculoskeletal diseases.
Physical health protection during a remote-work period is necessary: in order to prevent the major adverse outcomes, it is necessary to be mindful of ergonomics, take regular breaks in motion, adjust and slur the posture, and design a conscious work space. There should be no sacrifice of the physical well-being of the long-term in the process of productivity.
Do you experience pain or stiffness in the posture following the changes to work-at-home schedules?
Very well points noted,after COVID-19 most of people choose WFH jobs rather than office based work people setting at one place for long period of time may affect on helth issue physically as well as mentally.
I don’t think this issue is specific to working from home. Even if you travel long hours, stand with incorrect posture, or have an improper sleeping pattern, similar problems can occur. In a work-from-office setup, people also sit for a minimum of 7–8 hours, and if they slouch, they can face the same issues. Therefore, it is more about maintaining correct posture and managing one’s lifestyle.
Working from home offers the ideal environment for positive lifestyle changes, like establishing a routine of morning workouts, balanced eating, and regular stretching. The main obstacle to improved health in a remote setup is the tendency towards a sedentary, unstructured day.
Working from home has become a widely accepted way of working for both personal and professional reasons. Maintaining proper chair and desk ergonomics, taking regular short breaks to move or walk, getting adequate sunlight for vitamin D, ensuring sufficient intake of essential nutrients such as magnesium and calcium through diet or supplements when required, and following an overall healthy and active lifestyle can help reduce physical strain and support long-term well-being while working from home.
Ergonomics is a fundamental knowledge that everyone should be aware of. It reflects on the way we sit and walk and provides relief to our entire skeletal-muscular system. Proper and regular exercise is essential to prevent such cases.