Good posture, a phone headset and frequent breaks can help prevent arthritis, from holding people back at work. Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia recommend that keeping a computer monitor and important tasks within arm's length, and leaving wrists in a neutral position, or bent slightly downward help prevent arthritis. Arthritis is the second most common cause of workplace disability, after heart disease. Indeed, half of the 23 million people with arthritis are no longer able to work 10 years after their diagnosis. However, studies show that a supportive environment, a feeling of control, and a flexible schedule helps people with arthritis stay at work. Some common signs that arthritis is interfering with work include fatigue or muscle weakness, pain while doing a task, swollen joints, feeling the need to frequently shift positions, and lasting pain or stiffness. Researchers are conducting a study about the steps that workers with arthritis can take to stay on the job. Researchers are following 140 people with arthritis, half of whom receive a personal visit, during which the researcher observes them at work to identify what aspects of their environment might eventually worsen their arthritis. Stretching is one of the most important step workers can take to keep their arthritis under control. Workers should consider stretching out major joints, such as shoulders, elbows and neck. In addition, they should relax muscle groups to move toxic chemicals out of the muscles. People with arthritis are at a risk of becoming unable to work because their arthritis leaves them more vulnerable to musculo-skeletal problems such as lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and neck & shoulder problems. It's is very important to keep good posture at work, which means ensuring that the head, neck, shoulders, wrists and elbows are in a neutral position, where the body can most effectively use its muscles. Another tip is to leave everything within arm's reach, so one doesn't have to put their body in awkward positions, bending muscles in the wrong shape.
,
July 2005