60 Second Home Workspace

Greetings from Dr. T:

You are working from home on your laptop or tabletop. Yikes! Back pain, neck pain, eye strain, fatigue.

Here are some tips for setting up your home space.

If you are using a laptop, I highly recommend an external keyboard so you can put your monitor at the correct height (eye level) and your keyboard at the correct height (elbow height). Laptops are not able to give you correct ergonomics so get the keyboard, then you can sit and look straight ahead, and if you stand and work you can look straight ahead.

Change your sitting and standing positions throughout the day. If you stand, you should put one foot up on a box or brick or shallow stool so you take some pressure off of your low back.

Get up and move every 20 minutes. Set an alarm and do not ignore it. Change position, stretch, drink water then go back at it. Have good lighting, a good chair, and the correct positioning when you work. Have good ventilation and free yourself from distractions. Be sure to take breaks just as you would at your “not at home” job and always take a lunch break. Take your vitamins and go for a walk. Dogs are soooo happy with all of the walks!  

If you run into trouble, we are open and ready to help you.

Dr. Thorburn is a Registered Nurse and a Doctor of Chiropractic. She also has advanced training in nutrition.