The pattern of the human body is an amazing and often times taken for granted accomplishment of muscular coordination, blood flow and synapse communication. Most of those patterns we take for granted are small miracles of physical collaboration for which most of us have little of the necessary education to understand or fully appreciate. The mechanization of society has decreased many of the physical activities that used to be associated with a day of work (even typing has become less strenuous on the fingers!) but despite this, other strains have emerged that have to do with repetitive action and the modern tendency to not move for long periods of time.
Repetitive strain injuries are an alarming problem in our increasingly mechanized society. The study of ergonomics is as important as ever. Many companies have created “ergonomic” office furniture to increase the comfort of office workers. Many of these products, however, are unregulated by a centralized system and can therefore make the claim “ergonomic” without referring to any standardized or centralized concept of what that claim actually means in relation to the product. Also, many customers do not know how to properly use the “ergonomic” products that they buy, so even if they are using something that would otherwise be extremely effective in minimizing discomfort, their misuse of the product might make its effects minimal or, at worst, increase the discomfort that existed in the first place.
Unlike animals, our patterns are not hardwired into us. We have choices about the way we stand, sit and sleep that are not based on instinct or any kind of predetermination. There are many reasons why one person might choose to stand or walk one way and one person might choose styles of these same activities that are utterly different. However interesting these differences are, it is important to note that our choices of stature and posture may not be the best choices for our bodies, creating uncomfortable strains and even risks of permanent bodily injury.
To control and improve our patterns it is important to first realize what patterns are actually occurring. Do you hold your head to one side while you type? Should you get a phone cradle or a head-set to prevent long phone conversations from having an adverse affect on your neck? It is vital to ask these questions in order to embark on a journey towards making office and home life as Ergonomically comfortable as possible.
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