Ergonomics for People With Pain
The University of Michigan’s Pain Guide is an outstanding resource for people with chronic or acute pain. One of the most helpful areas on the site is their detailed overview on how to optimize ergonomics and posture to reduce pain.
As the pandemic drags on and many people are facing an extended period of working from home, it’s worth reviewing some of the recommendations on how to best arrange a computer workstation, especially when you don’t have the resources of a facilities or IT department.
Another area where a lot of us could benefit from a review of ergonomics and posture is in driving. This 2015 article from Canadian ergonomics consulting firm PROErgonomics has a good rundown of the basics. This page from State Fund, a California workers’ compensation group, offers more detail. The tip on removing your wallet from your back pocket before you drive may sound simple and obvious, but it makes a surprising amount of difference to your lower back comfort! (My husband’s back can testify to this. The main challenge after that is to remember to bring your wallet when you leave the car.)
Cooking can be a real hassle for people dealing with pain (and muscle weakness or balance issues as well). There are a few possible changes to think about that won’t involve expensive kitchen redesign or luxury gadgets. First, take a look at this blog post about safety in commercial and institutional systems. The post comes from MEMIC, a Maine-based workers’ compensation insurance provider. The connection between this and home kitchens might not be apparent at first glance, but the principles outlined here were arrived at by professional analysis of hundreds or even thousands of workplace injuries, and the basic principles are going to be the same in your house or in a busy restaurant.
Taking the time to reconsider how far you have to reach, how much stretching and twisting you need to do for a task, and whether a stand/sit stool is a backup you need is well worth it. Anti-fatigue mats can make a big difference for people living with foot, back, and hip pain as well.
If you’re not already familiar with OXO Good Grips products, I highly recommend them the next time you’re looking for kitchen gadgets. They can be a lifesaver for people with arthritis and other issues that affect pain and mobility in the hands. For kitchen tools you’re not ready to replace, consider wrapping the handles with foam tubing or even a product like Re-Grip.
For people needing more ergonomic support than a cushioned grip can offer, think about businesses like The Wright Stuff or Special Supplies for more adaptive products.
Adjusting your ergonomics for work, cooking, and driving is always going to be a bit of a work in progress, but making the time to do it really pays off in reduced pain and better productivity.
