Ergonomic Tips and Tricks: How is Your Posture?

Poor posture at a computer desk can result in neck, back and hand pain. To resolve this problem, it is helpful to understand the concept of neutral body positioning. Neutral body positioning is a comfortable working posture in which joints are naturally aligned. Working with the body in a neutral position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system. It also reduces the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).

Important considerations when attempting to maintain a neutral body posture while at a computer workstation include:

Hands, wrist, and forearms remain straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced (generally in-line with the torso).
Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
Feet are fully supported by the floor or footrest.
Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
Thighs and hips are supported and generally parallel to the floor.
Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.