Over 4 million Australians suffer from chronic back pain, and that 3.6 million have arthritis. A majority of them are aged over 45. The chances are that you know of someone who needs or has already undergone surgery – such as a hip or knee replacement surgery – for musculoskeletal injury. It is essential for anyone with arthritis or chronic back pain to see a Townsville Physio to undergo physiotherapy for their sitting, moving, and sleeping posture. They will also have to compliment physiotherapy with good ergonomic practices, such as using ergonomic chairs and other appliances.
Ergonomics considers a user’s physical capabilities, and designing a system or place, can play a vital role in easing the pain of people with arthritis or back pain. Find out how to manage home ergonomics for someone suffering/recovering from a musculoskeletal injury.
- De-clutter their living space
One of the significant consequences of arthritis or back pain is reduced mobility. The injured person will not be as agile as usual and will have a restricted range of movement – especially in the hips and legs. Remove objects that can potentially be a tripping hazard – such as carpets with folded edges, furniture with irregular edges, and perhaps even stairs. Beds must be at a height that is easy for them to get onto and get off without assistance.
- Rearrange their shelves and tables for easy reach
Humans have a working reach envelope – it is the area that a person can reach with minimum deviation from a neutral arm position. Typically shelves should be at such a height so that items kept on the topmost shelf are not beyond the user’s line of vision. You will benefit from installing adjustable furniture – such as height-adjustable tables and furniture with lockable wheels that can be moved easily – to ensure full accessibility.
- Ergonomic seating
A person’s sitting posture is crucial to avoid musculoskeletal injury or to alleviate pain. A chair’s reference point (the point where the chair’s backrest meets the seat) must be so placed as to provide good lumbar support while allowing the person’s feet to rest flat on the floor. A key feature of ergonomic chairs is adjustability. You should be able to adjust the depth and height of the chair for maximum support. Look for chairs that allow the armrests to be adjusted, so the person can comfortably rest their arms without putting undue pressure on their shoulder and collar bones. If you want to get your own, visit this site for great ergonomic office chairs for sale.
- Rearrange their electronic appliances for ergonomic safety
If the person uses a computer regularly, ensure that the monitor is at or just below eye level. The keyboard should be well within the working reach envelope. If the person watches television often, make sure they do not have to lift their face to watch it. Their chin should be parallel to the floor to exert minimal pressure on the cervical joint. If the person uses heavy appliances in the kitchen or garden, they must not overdo the activity. It is an excellent practice to take short and frequent breaks from such repetitive activities.
- Get the right tools and implements.
One good thing about suffering from a health condition that affects millions is that there are many tools available in the market that have been designed with them in mind. Consider investing in arthritis-friendly cutlery, ergonomic seat cushions, footstools, and other scientifically proven appliances.
Following the ergonomic precautions mentioned above can help you alleviate musculoskeletal injury pain and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
