Ergonomic Computer Setup

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 28 June 2022

Importance of ergonomic computer setup

Maintaining correct posture whilst sitting at a computer is extremely important to minimize stress on the spine and reduce the likelihood of injury. This is particularly important due to the high prevalence of injuries in society due to poor ergonomic computer setup, long hours of work in front of a computer and a sedentary lifestyle. Low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches are all common injuries that can occur from having your office, desk or computer set up incorrectly.

Ergonomic sitting

When sitting at your desk the following ergonomic points should be considered:

• It is important to have an ergonomically correct chair which offers firm support, encouraging your body to maintain optimal posture.
• The height of the chair should allow your hips and knees to be at right angles (it is important not to have your knees higher than the level of your hips) and your feet firmly supported on the floor (a foot stool may be required).
• Your bottom should be situated at the back of the chair and a lumbar support (that is comfortable for you) should be placed in the small of your back.
• Your shoulders should be held back slightly and your chin should be tucked in a little (figure 1).
• A ‘Kneeling Chair’ or ‘Swiss Ball’ can sometimes assist in reducing the stress on the lumbar spine and assist with maintaining good posture whilst working at a desk.

How to create an ergonomic computer setup

When sitting at a computer desk, the goal is to organize your environment ergonomically so you can easily maintain correct posture (figure 2). The following ergonomic points should be considered:

• The height of the desk should allow you to have your elbows bent at approximately 90 degrees.
• Provided you can touch type, your keyboard should be close to you. If you have to look at the keys, it should be as close as possible so you can look down at the keys (using your eyes only) without having to bend your neck.
• Your mouse, telephone and other accessories (that you use regularly) should be as close as possible to prevent you having to lean forwards or to the side to reach them.
• Your computer monitor should be positioned directly in front of you, at, or slightly, below eye level (certainly not to the side or above the level of your eyes).
• Your chair should be situated as close to the desk as possible.
• Actively practise holding yourself in good posture during sitting and check your position regularly to ensure you have not resumed slouching.
• Regular breaks from sitting are recommended with standing, walking or lying (in optimal posture) and should occur regularly enough to prevent any onset of pain.
• It is good practise to regularly switch the side of your body you use to perform various tasks to maintain balance and give one side of your body a break from repetitive or prolonged stress (e.g. use the mouse in your left and right hands equally)
• Performing regular exercises can also assist in preventing a posture related injury by giving your body a break from the continuous stress of sitting in one position.

Office Exercises

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Keep Active

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Ergonomic Computer Setup Summary

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Physiotherapy Products to assist with Ergonomic Computer Setup and office related injuries

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with ergonomic computer setup and office related injuries click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

Find a Physio

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can help with improving your ergonomic computer setup.

  Injury Information

Click on the appropriate link below to view detailed injury information on some common office related injuries:

• Cervical Postural Syndrome
• Thoracic Postural Syndrome
• Lumbar Postural Syndrome
• Cervical Disc Bulge
• Thoracic Disc Bulge
• Lumbar Disc Bulge
• Cervicogenic Headache
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

  More Information

• View detailed information on Improving Your Posture.
• View Postural Exercises.
• Learn about Postural Taping.
• View Beginner  Pilates Exercises to help improve posture.

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