Ergonomics isn’t just a buzz word that helps furniture manufacturers sell their products. Speak to doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists and you’ll quickly learn how important it is to care about ergonomics in everything you do.

First off, what is ergonomics?  The word refers to the design of products used by humans that reduces stress, fatigue, and potential overuse injury to the user.   For example, keyboard trays attached to the underside of desks– you know the kind that slide out and tilt up and down– are designed to be ergonomic.  They allow the user to keep their hands in the proper position (lower than the elbows and tilting down) to increase productivity, reduce fatigue, and minimize the potential of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.  Laptops, on the other hand, are not ergonomic. They are designed to be portable, light, and convenient, but when using a laptop, the user must tilt her/his head down to see the screen (not ideal for the neck and shoulders) and the keyboard portion is flat (shown to increase fatigue while typing).

Ergonomics can be applied to many different products we use every day.  Look for ergonomically-correct chairs, keyboards, keyboard trays, telephones, beds, even footwear. By utiltizing ergonomically-sound products in all aspects of your life from working to sleeping to driving, you’ll find that over time, you’ll experience less back and neck pain, chronic overuse injuries, and will be more productive overall.