| Desk posture is somewhat of a misunderstood | | | | from the chair |
| term. You do not often hear it used but when | | | | Pelvis rocked forward, with hips positioned no |
| you do, typically it refers to posture while sitting | | | | lower than, and perhaps slightly higher than the |
| and working at a desk, or basically sitting posture. | | | | knees. |
| Because problems associated with poor posture | | | | Lower back arched in, and supported by your |
| are so prevalent in today's society, proper | | | | chair or a towel roll. Upper back naturally rounded |
| ergonomic workstations and postures are | | | | Shoulders and arms relaxed at side. Keep a |
| imperative! | | | | neutral position, where the forearms, wrists and |
| Dr. J. Donald Miller, recently retired Director of | | | | hands are in a straight line. |
| NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety | | | | Neck arched in, relaxed, supported by spine. |
| and Health), is quoted as saying, "that by any | | | | Be careful not to hold tension in back or under |
| epidemiological criteria, occupational musculoskeletal | | | | chin. |
| injures represent a pandemic problem in the | | | | Head balancing gently on top of spine. |
| United States with gigantic effects on the quality | | | | Avoid resting elbows, forearms or wrists on |
| of millions of peoples' lives every year." | | | | hard surfaces or sharp edges. |
| Ergonomic disorders including Carpel Tunnel | | | | When keyboarding, use minimum force while |
| Syndrome, various tendon disorders and lower | | | | striking the keys. |
| back injuries, are the most rapidly growing | | | | Avoid awkward reaching for work tools such |
| category of OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health | | | | as telephone, mouse and reference materials. |
| Administration) recordable injuries and illnesses and | | | | There can be exceptions. For example, it is alright |
| cost over an estimated $100 billion annually. | | | | to shift your legs and feet around if they get |
| So what is good desk posture? The following | | | | stiff, but be sure to always keep the spine neutral |
| checklist identifies the proper way to sit in order | | | | and the head balanced above the pelvis. This good |
| to achieve good desk posture: | | | | posture when you are seated will minimize the |
| Feet flat on the floor | | | | effort required to work at your computer thus |
| Knees directly over feet, bent at right angles | | | | reducing your risk of injury. |
| (or slightly greater), with a couple inches of space | | | | |