More than five million Americans, or 3.8 percent of our population work from home. Whether it’s telecommuting or starting a home-based business, Americans are spending more time in home offices that are not ergonomically equipped. The result is more back and neck pain from poorly designed chairs and workspaces, and more headaches and eyestrain from poor lighting.
Home offices have become so prolific, it’s time to start taking them more seriously. Taking the time to learn how to set up a healthy home office and investing in quality ergonomic equipment may save a fortune in medical bills down the road.
“Poor resting posture and inadequate office chair design contribute heavily to the epidemic-like back ailments people face every day,” says Aaron Resnik, owner of the Relax The Back Store in Santa Clarita. “A significant number of the back, neck, and shoulder problems that we see are the direct result of a home office that does not have the proper equipment.”
“The kitchen table and chair is not a functional work space. It was designed for a 20 minute meal not seven hours of work,” says Resnik. “But, unfortunately, when it comes to planning a home office, that’s the place people often start. They don’t recognize the fact that they make their living sitting in that chair, and it’s worth the investment to get one that works for them. Ergonomic research shows us that, with proper equipment, we work more efficiently so more tasks get done. Investing in the proper equipment is how you work smarter.”
People assume that if they work at a computer, they’re going to experience some discomfort. “That’s a myth,” says Ronda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale National Ergonomics Group. “You can be comfortable even if you are working at a computer for long periods of time. But understand that a product being labeled ergonomic, doesn’t guarantee it will address your specific needs.”
Visit Relax the Back Store where they offer a full line of ergonomic office seating as well as hundreds of other products designed to help with back and neck discomfort. Located at 28301 Newhall Ranch Rd. in The Gateway Village shopping center across from LA Fitness, visit or call 661-294-2225.