With many businesses shut down because of COVID-19, people all over the world have suddenly found themselves working from home. Those who had never worked remotely before generally didn’t have a home office set up with appropriate features and equipment and had to figure out how to make do.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things so people can use them efficiently and safely. When working from home, or anywhere else, it’s important to have a workstation that is designed ergonomically to prevent back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other problems.

If you can’t afford to purchase new work-from-home furniture or don’t want to, here are some tips to make the most out of what you have to work with.


How to Prevent Back and Neck Problems


A couch or a bed may be a tempting place to work, but spending a lot of time working in either location may take a toll on your body. You should sit in an upright position in a chair that is appropriate for your body and maintain a neutral spine. Having your spine curved in a natural “S” shape can prevent back and neck strain.

The desk or table where you work should be an appropriate height for you. Your elbows should rest comfortably on the surface and should be bent at a right angle. Your wrists should be as straight as possible so you don’t strain them while typing.

Your legs should fit comfortably under the desk or table, your thighs should be almost parallel to the floor, your hips should be a little higher than your knees, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. If your current setup doesn’t meet those conditions, you may need to adjust the height of your chair or find a different place to work.

If you have an office chair, or if you can buy one, you will be able to adjust it to suit your body so you can sit comfortably without straining your back. If using an office chair is not an option, find the chair in your house that is most suitable based on your height and the height of your workstation. You may want to use a cushion or a folded towel to adjust the height and make it more comfortable.

Hunching over a computer for long stretches of time can strain your neck, shoulders, and back. Set up your workstation so that when you sit in front of your computer, the top of the screen is in your direct line of vision.

Review Your Health Insurance Policy

With health on everyone’s mind, now is a good time to think about your medical insurance coverage. If you need insurance, or if you would like to review your options and make sure you have the right coverage for your family, contact Petruzelo Insurance. We can give you quotes from several leading carriers.