Issue 12 - September 2004

Personal example takes precedence
Releasing the power of ergonomics in your practice
By Brian MacDonald, DC

The computer is king in today’s office environments — including chiropractic offices. It allows us to work efficiently and connects us immediately with resources that help our productivity.

But reliance on this electronic tool has given rise to musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. As doctors of chiropractic, we work at removing imbalances to the neuromusculoskeletal system to restore patients to health. But are we “walking the talk” with regard to our own office ergonomics? And are we and our staff giving our patients a good example to emulate?

Whenever I think about the impact “walking your talk” has on the people around us, I’m reminded of a scene from the movie All That Jazz, in which a portly, cigarette-smoking doctor gives the Roy Schieder character a physical exam.

The overweight doctor admonishes his patient about eating and drinking too much. He then takes a drag on his cigarette and interrupts his advice-giving with a vigorous coughing spell. The patient looks at his agent, who accompanied him to the exam, and skeptically raises an eyebrow as if to say, “What does this guy know about health — look at him!”

The scene sends an effective message and dramatizes what we as healthcare providers must never forget: Personal example goes a long way in helping patients learn and apply new behaviors.

I have found this to be particularly valid with ergonomics recommendations. I’ve found that being a good personal example for patients (unlike our exam-performing-cigarette-smoking multitasker) is the most effective tool in helping patients understand and “get the big idea” about work safety and ergonomics. It’s also important for staff members to demonstrate the same good habits.

When everyone in the office is “walking (and sitting) the talk,” they also reap the resultant benefits of health, well-being and pain-free work. What a great way to educate your patients — through a living illustration of your recommendations and their outcomes.

Here are some easy-to-implement strategies for demonstrating the power of ergonomics in your practice:

• Frequent breaks. A primary recommendation for office workers is taking frequent short breaks for stretching and releasing physical tension. As you and your staff take this advice to heart, you will very shortly begin to feel more energized and less drained by routine work activities. You’ll hold your adjustments better and longer and basically have more energy for your practice and every other area of your life.

• Stretching. Along with breaks, especially for individuals who work at computers all day, is stretching. Teach your staff to take stretch breaks each hour to release muscle tension in their wrists, arms, neck and back.

• Hands-free telephoning. A common improvement in work-station design is changing to wireless or hands-free telephone headsets. This eliminates strained neck muscles.

• Chair, monitor and keyboard heights. Also high on the list is evaluating computer monitor/keyboard/chair height arrangements. Provide adjustable keyboards and mouse-extension trays so that workers don’t have to reach awkwardly. Adjust chair heights so feet reach the floor. And make sure the monitor is not raised too high.

• Other considerations. Although there are many more details to consider, adding low back support cushions, proper lighting, conducting a general safety review and ergonomics training will put you well on your way to a better work environment for your employees.

In my industrial consulting, I’ve found that most workstation corrections can be made without replacing equipment or furniture and can be accomplished by simply using what you have to its best advantage.

However, if something is required for an employee, it will usually pay for itself many times over in terms of improved productivity and morale. It’s important that staff members feel they are supported with the tools for comfortable, healthy work. They will appreciate your concern and the physical benefits and often become the biggest supporters of your patient education programs, and your practice.

Dr. Brian MacDonald graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1983. He is an active ergonomics consultant with Future Industrial Technologies and is a member of the faculty at Life Chiropractic College West. His home and private practice are located in Berkeley, Calif. You can contact him at 415-370-9868 or by e-mail him at chidoctor@pacbell.net