Your desk setup at work could be the reason behind neck pain and headaches, all due to poor work ergonomics.

Those ergonomics consist of figuring out the ideal position for people to be in at work for their bodies to be safe. While we may think about such an injury in the workplace happening in more labour-intensive jobs, it's a concern that many more people are facing as a result of desk jobs. 

"It ranges through any job," explained Dr. Jane Peterson from Connect Chiropractic.

Neck and back pain are among the most common forms of injury seen due to poor work ergonomics, says Peterson. More surprisingly, however, are injuries such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel. 

"Most of these people can't believe they have tennis elbow, mostly because they've never even picked up a tennis racket before." 

Posture and positioning play a huge role in ensuring your body is well aligned, even while at work. The levels of your keyboard and mouse, for example, affect the positioning of your elbows and wrists, something that if done poorly, can result in issues, discomfort, and even injury, according to Peterson. 

Headaches often present themselves as one of the most telling signs of poor workplace ergonomics. "People are straining their necks at work, sometimes even their eyes, can cause quite a few headaches when your computer monitor is not at the right level."

In areas of work that are more labour intensive, posture problems from the incorrect lifting of heavy loads also weigh into physical discomfort.

Prevention is possible, though. Peterson says many companies are now taking steps to adjust things such as desk placements and setup for more suitable posture at work.  

"The main thing you wanna do is making sure everything is set up at a 90 degree angle and up high enough so that you don't have to look up."

In terms of your seating position, sitting with lumbar support for your back with your legs at a 90-degree angle is what tends to be the best position for your body. 

Evaluating your workplace setup is step one. "The other really easy thing that everyone should be doing is getting up and moving around every 30 minutes."

Short walks, a stretch or two throughout the day, and of course, a visit to your chiropractor for regular adjustments can do wonders for your physical health after a long day at your desk. 

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