Are there special occupational health examinations for office workers?
July 15, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erika Keck
Dear Occupational Medicine Experts,
My name is Heike Lange and I have been working as an office employee in a large company for over 10 years. Lately, I have been experiencing more and more health issues, which I attribute to sitting at the computer all day long and having little to no movement. I often suffer from neck and back pain, tension in my shoulders, and headaches. Additionally, I often feel tired and drained.
I am concerned about my health and wonder if there are specific occupational medicine examinations that are suitable for office employees like me. Are there examinations that specifically target the stresses and risks of office work and can help me alleviate my symptoms and improve my health?
I am open to any possible solutions that you can recommend. Whether it's special ergonomic workplace adjustments I can make, exercises to strengthen my muscles that can help me, or other measures to promote my health - I am willing to try anything to reduce my symptoms and improve my quality of life.
Thank you in advance for your help and support. I look forward to hearing from you and benefiting from your recommendations.
Sincerely,
Heike Lange
Dear Mrs. Lange,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of occupational medicine. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing health issues related to your office work. It is important that you take care of your health and take measures to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
In your case, I can recommend various measures specifically targeting the strains and risks of office work that can help reduce your symptoms. First and foremost, I recommend that you undergo an occupational medical examination. This examination can help identify potential health problems early on and initiate targeted measures for prevention and treatment.
During the occupational medical examination, your workplace situation is typically analyzed to identify potential ergonomic risk factors. Ergonomic workplace adjustments can help optimize your posture and movements at work, thus preventing neck and back pain as well as tension. This includes adjustments to your chair and desk, monitor positioning, and the use of an ergonomic mouse and keyboard.
In addition, targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulder, and back area can help reduce symptoms and relieve muscle tension. A physiotherapist or ergonomics consultant can help you develop an individual exercise program tailored to your specific needs.
It is also important to take regular breaks and move around to promote circulation and prevent tension. Make sure to take a walk during your lunch break or do small stretching exercises at your desk.
Furthermore, I recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help boost your energy levels and promote your overall health.
I hope that these recommendations help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional support.
Best regards,
Erika Keck, Occupational Medicine Expert
