Did you know that in a standing position that there are 100 pounds of pressure placed on each intervertebral disc?  Did you also know that in a seated, slouched position that the load doubles to 200 pounds of pressure per disc?

Proper ergonomics are critical to the health of today's work force. Many of us drive 30 to 40 minutes to work, then sit at a computer station for at least eight hours. Then, we drive home for 30 to 40 minutes. That is a tremendous amount of "sit" stress each day. In addition, computer-work can cause repetitive stress that creates upper back, shoulder, wrist pain and headaches. "You can stretch, adjust, strengthen and massage a person to manage symptoms, but if you do not make the appropriate work station accommodations the correction never occurs," says Dr. Gallagher. GCSM can advise you on ways to improve your work environment and may even visit your office to help make corrections.