What health risks does working in an office pose?
February 17, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Selma Stamm
Dear Doctor,
My name is Siegfried Pilz and I have been working in an office for many years. Lately, I have been experiencing increasing health issues which I attribute to my work situation. I spend the entire day at a desk, working on a computer, and I have very little movement. As a result, I suffer from back pain, tension in the neck and shoulder area, headaches, and dry eyes.
I am concerned about my health and wonder about the health risks associated with office work. How can I alleviate my symptoms and prevent them in the long term? Are there specific measures I can take at the workplace to protect my health? Should I consider getting an ergonomic consultation to set up my workspace optimally?
I am willing to make changes and adjust my work habits to improve my health. I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and recommendations so that I can work pain-free and healthy again.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Siegfried Pilz
Dear Mr. Pilz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an occupational physician. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing health issues that you attribute to your work situation in the office. Indeed, working in an office poses some health risks, especially when sitting at a desk for long hours with little movement.
The symptoms you mentioned such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, and dry eyes are typical consequences of a sedentary job at a computer. Muscle tension, vision problems, and headaches can arise due to the one-sided strain and lack of movement. Therefore, it is important to take care of your health and take measures to alleviate your symptoms and prevent them in the long term.
To alleviate your symptoms, I recommend taking regular breaks and incorporating short movement sessions into your work routine. Stand up intermittently, do some light stretching exercises, or take a short walk to loosen your muscles and promote circulation. Also, pay attention to ergonomically setting up your workplace to avoid incorrect postures. An ergonomic consultation can help you optimize your workspace to prevent back, neck, and shoulder issues.
In addition, it is important to take regular eye breaks to avoid dry eyes. Blink consciously more often to moisten your eyes, and make sure to drink enough water to keep your body adequately hydrated.
It is commendable that you are willing to make changes to improve your health. I recommend implementing these measures consistently and actively shaping your work routine. If your symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend seeking medical advice for individual counseling and treatment.
I hope my recommendations will help you, and I wish you a speedy recovery and a healthy future in the workplace.
Best regards,
Selma Stamm, Occupational Physician
