Ergonomics is a field which deals with the design of work stations, spaces, tools, furniture, lighting and equipment, in such a way that it ensures ease and convenience to the employees and factory workers. Ergonomic furniture is also used in homes, especially for arranging computer equipment and devices suitably, to facilitate its usage, without incurring any muscular pains or strains. Chiropractic treatment is very effective for dealing with the muscular strains caused by a stressful work environment.
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders are sprains and strains caused, due to over exertion of the muscles and skeleton, while engaged in performing an activity. Back pain, neck ache, muscle strains, sprains, tendinitis and carpal tunnel are some of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal disorders, found in individuals engaged in strenuous activities, at home or work.
Musculoskeletal disorders are caused both by the nature of the work performed and the working environment itself, both of which are required to be conducive and convenient, in order to avoid a painful medical condition.
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders can be avoided by following the ergonomic guidelines, and creating office and factory spaces which facilitate employees and workers in getting their work done efficiently. A proper, ergonomically designed work place has the following characteristics:
Proper lighting
Ample space
Ergonomically fit furniture
Conveniently designed work station
Installation of proper tools
Stress free working environment
Musculoskeletal Disorders Effect on Health and Efficiency
Back and neck pain, strained shoulder and leg muscles, cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are very painful musculoskeletal disorders, which are experienced by individuals engaged in strenuous activities in work places. These medical conditions can also be contracted by an individual if the environment he is working in, is not conducive and favorable for stress free functions and activities.
Carpal tunnel is a condition, in which the median nerve contracts exerting pressure on the bones of the wrist, which results in a tingling and burning sensation in the fingers. In some cases pain in the wrist is experienced by the individual. One reason for this condition is the absence of ergonomically fit furniture for placing computer equipment, at home and offices.
Chairs and work stations which are not ergonomically designed, cause severe back pain and neck aches in individuals, and in some cases tendinitis and tenosynovitis, which are medical conditions in which the tendons and the fluid between them, contracts, resulting in pain and swelling.
Chiropractic treatment is very effective for the painful musculoskeletal disorders, contracted due to lack of ergonomically suitable working environments.
