What Does “Ergonomic” Mean? How Can I Utilize It To Improve My Posture?

You might’ve heard from a lot of advertisements how a product is ergonomic and will help your posture. But what exactly does “ergonomic” mean? We will explain the term and show you how you can improve your posture by paying more attention to this idea.

What Are Ergonomics?

Ergonomics refers to the measurements and design elements of an object that are meant to provide healthy mechanics when being used. In other words, it’s how an object is designed to be comfortable for humans when in use. Posture ergonomics means using the correct furniture, electronics, or appliances, and how to be mindful of your position.

Simple details like the height of your chair/desk, the position of your car seat, or how you adjust your monitor when working on your computer can make a big difference in your posture.

Why Are Ergonomics Important?

As mentioned, having good ergonomics when you perform various tasks is crucial for your comfort and posture. If you are using things with bad ergonomics, it won’t just feel uncomfortable or more difficult to get the work done (or just to relax), but it can actually cause injury over time.

Repetitive strain injuries happen when you keep on doing certain actions with poor ergonomics. For example, a lot of people have been working from home because of the pandemic. They haven't been necessarily mindful about the ergonomics of their workspace at home, which leads to lower back pains, neck pains, or inflammation in the wrists and other joints.

How to Improve Posture Ergonomics?

If you already have a bad posture, it can lead to back problems that worsen over time. In their aggravated state, many of these back issues can only be solved through surgery. To prevent such complications and improve your comfort and health both at home and at work, make sure you are aware of ergonomics.

Here are some of the little things you can improve in your daily life to help your posture:

• Get ergonomic chairs, desks, computer accessories, etc
• Be aware of the correct position of your car seat.
• Choose a bicycle that’s the right size for you, and adjust the seat and handles correctly.
• Be mindful of how you hold your back when you’re sitting, standing or doing sports.
• Avoid poor sleeping positions and invest in a good mattress and pillows.

If you have passed the prevention state and you think your posture is already defective, you should see a specialist. Dr. Alex Vidan is an expert chiropractor at Vidan Family Chiropractic in St. Louis. He and his team can identify the cause of the problems you are struggling with (back pain, neck pain, etc.) and recommend the proper equipment and treatments to help you correct your posture and improve the quality of your life.

Contact us today to book an appointment and get help for your poor posture and chronic pains.