If you are experiencing pains in your lower back, neck or shoulders after coming home from a full day at the office, you might be dealing with an incorrectly adjusted desk height. This is a common problem for many office workers worldwide, but there are a few easy solutions.
In this article we will cover some of the different signs you need to change the height of your desk or office chair, as well as explain how you find the perfect combination. So if you wish to be rid of that annoying lower back pain, feel free to read on!
The office desk explained.
The ideal height for an office desk depends on the user and the type of work they will be doing, but generally, it should be around 27-30 inches (68-76 cm) from the floor to the top of the desk. This allows the user to sit comfortably and work with their arms at a 90-degree angle, which is the most ergonomic position for typing and using a mouse.To achieve this ergonomic set-up, the desk should also be adjusted to your own height and sitting position. This can be done by adjusting the chair's height or using a footrest to support your feet. The desk should also have enough space for you to move your arms and legs freely, and the keyboard and mouse should be positioned within easy reach.
In addition to ergonomics, office desks should also be organized and free of clutter. This can improve focus and productivity by reducing visual distractions and making it easier to find and access items.
The desk should also be well-lit to prevent eye strain and fatigue, and you should find the time for a few short breaks to stretch and move around, as this will greatly help alleviate any pain or discomfort.
How to find the ideal height for your desk
The optimal height for an office desk depends on the user and the type of work they will be doing. To find the ideal height for your desk, you can try the following steps:
Sit in your chair and adjust the height so that your feet are flat on the ground and your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Place your arms on the desk, with your elbows bent at a 90 degree angle and your wrists straight. The desk should be at a height that allows you to comfortably reach the keyboard and mouse without straining or stretching.
If the desk is too high or low, you can use a footrest to adjust your sitting position and achieve a more ergonomic posture.
Test out different heights and positions to find the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to work efficiently without strain or discomfort.
It's important to remember that the ideal height for an office desk can vary depending on the user and the type of work they are doing. It's a good idea to adjust the desk and chair regularly to ensure that you work in a comfortable and ergonomic position.
Signs your desk is not at the proper height
Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether you have found a good height for your desk or not. So here are five potential issues that could arise if your office desk is too high or too low:Poor posture: If the desk is too high, you may be slouching or hunching over to reach the keyboard and mouse, which can lead to poor posture and discomfort. This can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
Reduced blood circulation: Sitting in an awkward position for extended periods of time can constrict blood flow to the legs and feet, which can cause discomfort and potential health problems.
Increased eye strain: If the desk is too high, you may have to raise your head and eyes to see the monitor, which can cause strain and fatigue. This can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.
Decreased productivity: Working in an uncomfortable or awkward position can make it more difficult to concentrate and get work done, reducing productivity.
Higher risk of injury: Poor posture and reduced circulation can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
If you experience one or more of these issues, you need to adjust your chair or desk to the proper height.