6 STEPS TO DESIGN A PAIN FREE WORKSTATION

pain free workstation

Are you looking for a pain free workstation?

When your workstation is set up properly you will be less likely to experience problems such as headaches, eye strain, neck and back pain, as well as prevent bursitis and tendon problems linked to repetitive movements.

Set up your own optimized space with these 6 steps to design a pain free workstation.

1. Monitor Height

Start by setting up your monitor such that the top of your screen is at eye level. This can be done most easily with an adjustable height desk or desk topper.

If a new desk is out of the question, you can always add a stack of books under your computer monitor.

Note, if you’re using a laptop, you will need to have an external keyboard to meet optimal ergonomic criteria.

2. Monitor Distance

The monitor should be between 18-36 inches from your eyes. A single monitor can be placed closer to the 18-inch mark whereas a dual monitor system would be best placed closer to the 36-inch position.

Blue light blocking glasses can also be beneficial to reduce eyestrain.

3. Keyboard & Mouse

The keyboard and mouse should be placed beside one another, at the same height and close to the front edge of the workstation.

The desk or keyboard holder needs to be adjustable in order to compensate for any necessary modifications in the wrist angle.

4. Desktop Arrangement

Place frequently used items (pens, pencils, paper, etc.) within arm’s reach to avoid excessive reaching, bending and twisting.

5. Chair Design

While it’s common thinking to focus on a chair with extra lumbar support, I prefer the opposite.

Similar to shoes in which too much support reduces the strength development and mobility of the feet, using support from a chair silences the spinal musculature and causes abnormal pelvic tilting.

By moving towards the front of your chair and not using the backrest, you’ll require more consistent activity of the muscles that support the spine.

  • Sit up tall
  • Keep your shoulders back and down
  • Knees bent between 90 and 120 degrees
  • Position your feet on the floor or on a foot rest

6. To Sit or Stand? That is The Question for a Pain Free Workstation

There is potential for a standing workstation to be a better option than sitting. Though, depending on what parameters are being measured, some of the research is conflicting. 

Some of the advantages are:

  • Reduced Leg Weakening
  • Less Hip Flexor Tightening
  • More Glute Activity

The final advantage and the main reason why a standing station could be a great choice is more overall movement.

When standing, it’s more likely you’ll be inclined to move versus while working from a seated position.

How much you move, regardless of a sitting or standing desk, is a determining factor for which choice is the healthier one.

Either way, taking micro breaks is very important.

Get up and walk around for 10 minutes at the end of every 30-60 minutes. It can make a world of difference over the course of long days, weeks and months working away in front of a computer.

Have you set up your pain free workstation?

Looking for more strategies to improve your posture while working? Click below to download our DIY Postural Self-Assessment Guide.

Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.

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