During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are working remotely. This has some advantages, like letting you perform your job from the comfort of your home. However, if you don’t have a proper desk and chair, you might experience increased back pain. It’s helpful to understand the different problems that cause discomfort so you can prevent this from happening. Here’s what to know to stay comfortable.

Why Working From Home Can Cause Back Pain

If your back feels sore after you spend a few hours at your desk, your posture could be the culprit. A chair should support the hips and lower back, or else you might eventually slouch. Over time, slouching can cause chronic back pain.

Another common problem is the line of sight. When using a laptop, particularly if it’s on your lap, you might have to look down to see the screen. Over time, this strains the spine, upper back, and neck, leading to a pinching pain or general soreness.

How to Resolve Discomfort

An ergonomic setup will help you avoid these problems. When you sit, your back, hips, and thighs should roughly follow an “L” shape. Since the knees should be relatively level with the hips to minimize pressure on the lower back, you might need a footstool if you’re short. Alternatively, lower the height of your chair until your feet meet the floor.

You should also face the screen comfortably. If you use a laptop, place it on an elevated platform so it’s at your eye level. Avoid working from the bed or sofa, which may force you to look down at your lap. For the best results, invest in an ergonomic chair that has curved support for the lumbar area of the back.

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, let the team at AVORS Medical Group in Lancaster, CA, assist you. Serving residents of the Antelope Valley, they offer a variety of valuable services to improve your comfort and quality of life, including chiropractic and orthopedic care. Visit their website for more information, or call (661) 726-5005 to schedule an appointment.