BodyWorks610 was formed in 2011 by two individuals with over 35 years of combined experience working at computers and experiencing back and neck pain from improper posture. They conducted surveys that found most computer users have poor posture and do not take breaks, which can cause injuries like herniated discs. Their business provides ergonomic assessments and solutions to help employees avoid injury through proper posture and stress relief when sitting for long periods.
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BodyWorks610 was formed in October of 2011. Although we are a new
company, together we have had over 35 years of experience sitting at a
computer, with improper posture. We have both experienced the back
and neck pain associated with improper posture and extensive computer
work. We realized there was a need for this type of businees when we
went to our employer for help. Little did we know this would become
our new passion. You see, there isn't another business out there like us.
We will make housecalls to your business and help your employees help
themselves. We have teamed up with world renowned
Chiropractors, leading Ergonomics professors and fitness experts to the
stars, to provide you and your business an avenue to good health.
Healthy employees are happy employees!
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We conducted a survey with eight questions asking college students about
35% sat at a computer for 5-7 hours a day
22.5% spend 11 or more hours a day at their computer
42% suffer from both neck and back pain
82.5% are aware of the effects of improper posture BUT ...
Only 35% use proper posture
When given the opportunity to explain proper posture, most people provided correct
elements of proper posture but only 35% actually use proper posture while at the
computer.
When it comes to relieving neck or back pain
47.2% use stretches
30.6% use exercises
13.9% use chiropractic services
25% use a combination of chiropractor, exercises and stretches
Over 50% of the survey participants said their employers do nothing to assist the
prevention of computer related injuries.
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Back pain is a common thing among Americans, especially those that have a job where they are sitting at a computer
for eight hours a day. Most people do not use proper posture while sitting at a computer and even if they do use
proper posture they are still sitting in the same place for many hours. Poor posture causes the spine to misalign
causing increased stress of the back muscles, ligaments, discs and joints. Sitting all day with proper posture can be
just as harmful if you do not give yourself constant breaks. When you sit your muscles do not contract. This includes
the larger muscles in your body including your back. These muscles can then become weak, stiff and painful.
Many injuries that can be caused by improper posture while using computers include:
• “Computer Back” is caused by prolonged sitting at computers. Signs of “Computer Back” include excessive curving
of the lower, middle and upper back. Side effects include headaches, muscle tension, strains, joint
dysfunction, and impaired breathing.
• Lumbar strains and sprains are caused by prolonged and faulty sitting positions. Side effects include muscle
spasms, swelling and pain while moving.
• Herniated discs are a common injury of improper posture. A day of sitting puts pressure on the spine and a disc
can come out of place. Discs are the shock absorbers of the body and get worn down by the uneven pressure while
sitting with improper posture. Signs of herniated discs include leg and foot pain, weakness and difficulties
walking. Herniated discs can become so sever that a person could become immovable. Medications, physical
therapy and surgery may be needed to correct a herniated disc.
• Repetitive stress injuries are caused by doing the same harmful motions everyday and the body does not have a
chance to rebuild the damaged tissue.
• Pinched nerves are when the tissue around a nerve become inflamed and is very painful.
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For such a small area of the body the neck contains bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
Although you back may take a brunt of the stress while working at a computer your neck is
vulnerable as well. Pains in the neck area are usually caused by an inflamed muscles, nerve
or ligament. Pain can also be caused by a wear down in cartilage or fusing of bones from
constantly having your neck in an uncomfortable position.
Common complaints that accompany neck pain include muscle spasms, sharp neck or chest
pain, radiating pain down an arm, and numbness or weakness in shoulders, elbows or
hands. Headaches can become common with neck pain, because if an artery is pinched the
heart is not able to deliver enough blood to the brain. Improper neck posture can
eventually lead to arthritis.
When many people are looking at a computer screen they tend to stretch their necks
forward or bend them to see. This is commonly known as forward head carriage can cause
pain because the neck is being extended forward and is no longer centered on your body.
This causes the curvature of the neck to become flattened or straight making proper
posture more difficult. Over time this can cause pain even when you are not at work.
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So you have to work right? So make your workstation as comfortable as you can. At the end
of the day you will have minimal neck pain, and stiffness. Here are some key points for
maintaining a no neck pain zone:
• Your chair: Make sure you have a ergonomic chair that has a good back support and
neck support. Look for a thick padded seat, padded and adjustable arms, built in
lumbar support, dual wheel casters so you can move around easily, pneumatic seat-
height adjustment, ability to tilt the chair seat
• Your viewing distance: Make sure your viewing distance is 12-28 inches from the
computer screen. Then you are not straining your neck muscles to see what you are
typing
• Computer Screen Position: Make sure the top of the computer screen is slightly below
eye level when you are sitting comfortably. Having a computer screen that is too low
can put a lot of stress on your neck muscles contributing to strain and stiffness. Also tilt
the computer screen slightly backwards. For most people their most comfortable neck
position is when their normal line of sight is about 15 to 20 degrees below horizontal.
• Computer Screen Angle: The angle of the computer screen should be 10- 20 degrees
• Keyboard height: The height of the keyboard should be 23-28 inches from the floor
surface.
• Leg Position: Your thighs should be horizontal.
