The Buzz about Ergonomics
by Todd Davis, D.C.
This past Christmas I was in need of a unique “Yankee Swap” gift. I would sit at lunch time and go through the many catalogs that we received in the mail and search for that unique gift. Being a chiropractor, I am always drawn toward those strange gadgets and gizmos for the health enthusiast. Just about everything was described as “ergonomically correct”, “ergonomically designed”, “proper ergonomics”, “super-ergo-“, “ergo-deluxe”, etc. As I read the description of the ergonomically redesigned shrub pruners I wondered if they were truly “ergonomic”, or just the latest health sales buzz word.
Ergonomics is the science of the relationship between a person and the work being done, embodying the anatomical, physiological and mechanical principles affecting the efficient use of human energy. Nice definition.
It brings me back to the long nights of studying for state boards. It is easier to just say ergonomics is how to do a job in a way that won’t hurt you.
We often hear of workplace ergonomics, where our desks are set up to keep us from getting carpal tunnel or eye strain. Lifting ergonomics helps us pick up objects with correct posture to protect our backs. Even in sports for example, I coach my youth basketball players proper shooting ergonomics to make their shots more efficient and smooth. Whatever we do, there is a correct, efficient and safe way to do the task.
Your posture or ergonomic position during a task can affect your physical health. First, figure the average person’s head weighs over 10 lbs, or as much as a bowling ball. If you held that bowling ball straight up, the strain on your arm is minimal. Once you bring that bowling ball out away from you, the strain on your arm increases dramatically. That is much like when you start melting into your computer screen or lean forward for an extended period of time. The farther you slouch forward, the more strain your neck feels trying to hold your bowling ball size head up. It’s best to keep your ears directly over your shoulders.
The ergonomics of lifting consists of “lifting with your legs”, not your back. A simple rule to remember is to always look up first before you lift and keep your eyes up during the lift. Your body will naturally keep proper posture. If you look down, your back has a tendency to bend, adding increased strain to your lower back.
Sitting ergonomics at a desk includes keeping your feet on the floor and your chair should be at a height where your thighs are parallel to the floor. Your arms should stay relaxed and shoulders shouldn’t be slouched or hunched up. For the best, thorough explanation, please click here for WebMD Office Ergonomics -- with great explanations and pictures to follow.
Ergonomic tools and gadgets are designed to take strain off joints such as your wrists, shoulders, or back. Keyboards and hand tools are designed to keep your wrists in a “neutral” position where there is less stress on them. Ergonomic pillows try to keep your neck straight as you sleep. Ergonomic snow shovels are designed to keep you standing straighter, lessening the stress on your back.
Whether these ergonomic designs are the best for you is difficult to say. Since we are not all the same size, shape or temperament, no gadget can be “one size fits all” ergonomically. Your posture is the simplest way to help with ergonomics and remember that moderation is the key to keeping healthy. If you do any task for too long, no matter what ergonomically correct tool or posture you use, you are more likely to be achy later. Take breaks, change tasks, and move around frequently.
So, the next time you are evaluating the “ergonomic” integrity of a vacuum cleaner or computer mouse, think how it feels, is it more comfortable, less strain, and does it make the job seem easier. If it does, then it’s truly ergonomic for you and maybe even ergo-deluxe!!
Todd Davis grew up in Westminster and now runs Davis Chiropractic out of his home office on Route 140. He can be reached at 978-874-1991.