by Alexandra Heep

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: September 05, 2008

It may come as a surprise to a lot of people that office work can create health problems, just like its blue-collar colleague. While people in more physical occupations face more visible health issues and challenges, the white-walled office world is not without dangers.

The main health concerns in the office environment are conditions related to the back, spine and nerves, as well as respiratory and viral issues. Many health care professionals can even agree with those statements.

Office environments are mostly set up to accommodate as many individuals as possible in a confined space, at maximum cost efficiency. This means that desks, chairs and computers are generally set up one way only, without regard to an individual's height or size, etc.

It is no wonder that many chronic conditions now run rampant, such as headaches, fatigue and back problems. While over exertion (such as physical labor) causes strain for the human body, so does remaining in one position for a long time. In addition, reaching for phones and files in awkward positions creates a hazard as well.

Computer monitors are supposed to sit at eye level, but this is hard to do since desks are of one height only. While most office chairs can be adjusted, this only takes care of the leg and feet angle. Most people have to choose if they want to sit comfortably, or view their computer screen easily. Also, using a computer mouse puts strain on one side of the body, which can cause misalignment of the spine over time. Untreated, this can lead to malfunction of the nervous system.

The causes for respiratory ailments are generally poor ventilation. Ironically, since office environments circulate air, this same ventilation issue also causes the spread of viruses, such as the common cold. Also, natural light is essential to our well being as well as immune system but is not to be had in office environments, which makes it harder for people to recover from ailments

What exacerbates this problem is the growing blanket approach of dealing with people missing time at work. Employers mainly focus on needing their employees there to do the work, so it is mostly frowned upon when people call in sick. Even with allotted sick days, employers can implement other procedures that counteract what should be a benefit. This makes people come to work sick, and in turn they infect others.

However, there are some things you can do. To counteract the strain and fatigue of an office environment, try to get up and walk around frequently. This does not have to be obvious. For example, you can go take the stairs instead of the elevator and make frequent trips to the water cooler using a smaller cup. Simple stretches while sitting at your desk will work wonders also.

Proper nutrition is also important. This includes staying away from the convenient snack machines and over-processed cafeteria foods. Drinking plenty of water is always important, no matter what, but it also helps with respiratory issues. Washing your hands and keeping sanitizer at your desk helps with the spread of germs. While you can't control what others do and the environment your employer provides, you can still be proactive and keep yourself as functional as possible.

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