Ergonomics and Fibromyalgia

We may not give enough attention to the connection between ergonomics and fibromyalgia. Ergonomics is the way you position yourself as you do your daily activities. This is very important to those with Fibromyalgia.

This word comes from the Greek Ergo, meaning “work” and nomoi, meaning "natural laws".

So to practice proper ergonomics, we need to know the natural laws of the body when it comes to working.

According to ergonomics.org, our risk of injury would be significantly reduced if we could adhere to the following ergonomic principles:

• All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
• Where muscular force has to be exerted it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.
• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.

For example, our bodies are not designed to sit at a desk all day. Usually we sit in a very unnatural position as we work and this can lead to more than just pain. It can lead to damaged joints and muscles.

For many this is the biggest cause of body pain. But there are things we can do to sit in a more natural position.

For example, our hand and lower arm muscles are in a relaxed position when the palms face in toward each other. The hand was not designed to have the palms facing down (such as when using a regular computer mouse) for long periods of time on a regular basis. This can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or other painful conditions.

They do make a mouse that will allow your hand to sit in that position for better ergonomics and fibromyalgia relief. This is the one that I use. It is called the Microsoft 69K-00001 Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (Metallic Grey).

There are many other models out there. This one is great due to the reasonable price and it is wireless. I have been using it since the middle of 2008. They do take some time to get use to the muscles working this way. It requires a change in muscle activity so it may be uncomfortable at first until you learn to relax while using it. This is the case with many changes for those of us with fibromyalgia. It can cause a 'fibro-flare' to have to re-train our muscles.

Shape of your desk
Desk height
Type of chair
Chair height
Ergonomic keyboard
Keyboard height
Monitor (should be eye level)
Ergonomic mouse

If you need to adjust how you sit very often or can't find a desk that is the right height or comfortable for you, you may consider an adjustable desk like this one.

It forces you to keep a good posture which prevents the pain that comes from slouching.

Gaiam Balance Ball Chair for better ergonomics and fibromyalgia relief.