When people see the word “ergonomics,” they are often confused about what it means. This word is being used more and more and rather than shy away from ergonomic products, people need to understand what it means and why it is important.

Understanding the history of ergonomics can help put everything in perspective for most people. Injuries related to work dates back into the sixteenth century, when a medical journal by Bernardino Ramazinni documented complaints from his patients. In 1857, Wojciech Jastrzebowski actually created the new word “ergonomics” when writing about the science of nature. “Ergon” means work and “nomos” means natural law, so “ergonomics” describes “how to work according to nature.” In other words, when people practice ergonomics, they are living and working as nature intended them to. People today have a tendency to push their bodies to the place where they are hurting and not able to work to their fullest capacity.

So, ergonomics is a good idea, but you may wonder what this has to do with you and your life. Things to consider is how you work and where you work. Do you sit at a desk most of the day, working at a computer? If so, there are many office ergonomics that can help you feel better and be more effective at your job.

One thing you will want to consider is your office chair. Considering that your chair is probably the most frequently used piece of office equipment, there are some important things to consider. Is it comfortable, adjustable, and effective for you? How do you feel after sitting in your chair for an hour or two? Are you ready to tackle more work or are your legs and back sore? How do you feel when you stand up? Are you achy and stiff or are you ready to jump back into your work after a short break? People do not think much about their office chairs, but take them for granted, expecting their chairs to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Although they may differ depending on brand name, ergonomic office chairs are usually made with the following: adjustable seat height, back rest, and seat pan (this is where you sit). It may also have soft seat padding, seat shape that is slightly concave, backrest that tilts, adjustable padded lumbar support, full back support up to the shoulders, arm rests, casters that roll easily, and anti-static material. The great thing about all of these adjustments is that you should be able to make these adjustments while you are sitting in the chair at your desk. As important as your chair is, it’s not a bad idea to consider ergonomic computer workstations as a whole.

In other words, you need to consider every area of your desk and your computer to see how it may be affecting you. For example, if you are working at a computer, you are obviously using a keyboard and mouse. Your hands, wrists and arms will get tired if they have no support while you type and work at your computer. You need some sort of support under your wrists so that you do not stress the muscles in your wrists and hands. Without necessary support and repetitive use of your wrist and hand muscles, you are at risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The location of your monitor is another factor to consider. If it is too close or too far from you, you will strain your eyes and also possibly lean forward or backward in your chair to see better, which can cause unnecessary strain to your back and neck muscles. With an adjustable ergonomic desk, you can move closer or further from your monitor as needed.

The more comfortable we are, the more productive we are. We are not going to feel like working at all if our muscles feel stressed and strained. However, if our muscles and bones have the proper support, we are able to work longer hours without feeling any tension. No one should avoid ergonomics. Although it is a big word, the meaning is quite simple and makes a great deal of sense for all of us.