Did You Know?
• Display-screen equipment users can experience a wide range of health problems including eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches, mental stress and musculoskeletal problems including RSI (repetitive-strain injury).
• 1 in 50 of all British workers have reported an RSI condition.
• RSI cost the UK’s workforce 5.4 million working days in sick leave last year.
• The most common forms of work-related ill-health are back problems.
• Every year 1.2 million people are affected by back complaints, with 10 million working days lost.
A few simple exercises can be surprisingly effective weapon in the war against workplace-related ailments. So while the computers start up and the kettle boils, take five to stay healthy at your workstation with Ghost IT’s power-up workout…
RSI-buster for your fingers
Hold your palms together in front of your chest in “prayer position” stretching all the fingers. Relax your shoulders and stretch the heel of your palms down until they are the level of your wrists. Increase the stretch by moving the hands over to the right and then to the left.
Combat neck pain and eyestrain
Turn your head right and left, looking into the far distance. Close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths and open your eyes.
Release your shoulders
Place the right palm on the wall and fan out your fingers. Press the palm into the wall, turn your head to the left, swinging your right shoulder blade to the left too. Repeat with the other hand.
Work that neck
Shrug the shoulders high up to the ears and then release and drop. Repeat at least 3 times then shake your wrists and arms, letting them dangle from your shoulders.
Upper back relaxer
Sit with an upright torso, with your head resting comfortably and naturally on your neck. Bring your hands down to the seat of the chair and roll your shoulders back.
Lower back toner
Interlock your fingers behind your back, palms towards your spine. Roll your shoulders back, stretch out our elbows and arms and hold it for a few breaths. Bend your elbows and bring your wrists to the right side, pressing the right elbow towards the left. Release and repeat on the other side.
• Remember to take plenty of screen breaks to rest your eyes if you use display screen equipment for the major part of your working day.
• Also, get up and walk around regularly to stretch your legs and lower back if you are sitting for long periods.
• Don’t overdo or “bounce” the stretching. You should feel a gentle, easy stretch: if there is any pain, stop.
If you would like more advice on your posture then contact Ben Cohen Osteopathy they can provide treatment for a range of work related back conditions.
Treatments include: Osteopathy, Sports massage & Deep Tissue Massage, Medical Acupuncture and Kinesiology Taping.