A pain in the neck

In 1993, when I accepted my first position as an editor, I learned the importance of workplace ergonomics the hard way.

My new job would require me to use a computer eight hours a day, every day. My first task was to set up my computer.

I was given a recycled standard office desk with a low typewriter “return” table attached to it. I needed the desktop surface for paperwork. The typewriter return was too narrow to accommodate a monitor, so I asked for a computer desk.

Because the company had not budgeted for new office furniture, my boss found an unused printer table for me to use. It was the same height as the typewriter return, but wider. I placed the monitor and keyboard on it.

I wore bifocals at the time. To see the monitor, I had to tilt my head.

About eight months into my new job, I began to notice an occasional tingling and numbness on the left side of my neck. I tried to ignore it.

After another six months, the tingling and numbness gave way to neck pain. This wasn’t an ordinary “crick-in-the-neck” pain. It was a pain so severe and constant that I wondered out loud where I could get a neck brace to hold my head up!

I knew the pain was work-related so I reported the problem to Conrad, the HR director. I wish I could report that he sent me to a chiropractor, who not only adjusted me but also performed an ergonomic assessment of my workstation to eliminate the cause of my pain.

What actually happened was that Conrad sent me to a nearby medical clinic, whose MD sent me to a physical therapist. The PT came to my office and did a complimentary ergo evaluation, which resulted in a modification of my workstation.

Why didn’t Conrad use a chiropractor for these services? It never occurred to him. He was unfamiliar with chiropractic and no chiropractor had ever approached him about helping him with workplace ergonomics.

The moral of my story should be obvious. Don’t be afraid to talk to HR directors about helping them with their workplace ergonomics. Out of ignorance they may not seek you out. But if you knock on their doors, you may be welcomed with open arms. And you may save countless workers from a pain in the neck.

Until next time,

Linda Segall, Editor-in-Chief