From a purely technical point of view, occupational diseases are illnesses that people acquire through their professional activities. When the general public talks about occupational diseases, most people first think of skilled trades or activities that require a lot of physical effort. The worker in the cozy, warm office is probably not the type of worker who is associated with the topic of occupational diseases. However, this assumption is more than wrong. Our bodies are not designed to sit for eight hours or more a day. From a purely evolutionary perspective, our musculoskeletal system is designed for running, hunting and gathering and not for adopting the same posture for many hours every day. It is therefore hardly surprising that the incidence of various occupational diseases in the office is constantly increasing. It is believed that each of us will be struck by such an illness at least once in our professional careers.
Due to the increasing number of sedentary jobs and the resulting complaints, the term “office illnesses” became established. But what exactly are office illnesses? In this guide you will learn everything about the typical office illnesses and how you can counteract them in the long term.
Table of contents:
2. How can you prevent or counteract office illnesses?
3. Why is the topic of health in the workplace so important?
4. Conclusion
What are office illnesses?
First of all, we would like to explain to you exactly what the term “office illness” means. This term is medically established and combines all the illnesses that can arise from working in an office. The resulting complaints can be of a physical but also a psychological nature. In addition to the classic physical illnesses affecting the musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal system, allergies or mental illnesses such as burnout can also arise. Before we introduce you to measures to counteract or prevent these, we will first look at the typical office illnesses, as well as their causes and symptoms.
Office eye syndrome and the constant headache
Office eye disease, also known as office eye syndrome, describes the eyes that are strained by a lot of screen time. Not only do we spend more than eight hours a day focusing on an unnatural source of light, but after work many of us also spend our time in front of screens to “switch off”. But the opposite is the case. This irritates our eyes, which can dry out, redden, itch or become inflamed. In the worst case, our image may even become temporarily blurred and our eyesight may generally deteriorate in the long term.
|
 |
Due to the enormous strain on our eyes, we often complain about headaches. In addition to overuse headaches and tension headaches, migraine attacks can also occur. Migraines are also often referred to when someone has a very severe headache. But if you know someone who has ever experienced a migraine attack, or perhaps you suffer from the illness yourself, you know that it's not just "just" a particularly bad headache. Migraine sufferers may vomit during an attack, they may be sensitive to light and sound, which can even lead to temporary loss of vision.
Depending on the duration, frequency and severity, a degree of disability (GdB) can be determined in migraine patients. Special therapeutic measures are necessary here. Depending on the frequency, even milder headaches can become a real burden for the worker.
The mouse arm and carpal tunnel syndrome
Maybe you've heard of secretary's disease, Nintendo thumb or mouse arm. Mouse arm is technically called Repetitive Strain Insury (RSI) and means an injury that is caused by repeated monotonous movements. RSI syndrome can cause pain from the hands to the neck. Above all, the area from the hand to the forearm is affected, which is why the name “mouse arm” has become established. In addition to elbow pain, sensory disorders such as tingling or numbness in the fingers and wrist can also occur. Other symptoms may include difficulty with coordination or a loss of strength in the hands. Similar to the rather rare rhizarthrosis, arthrosis of the thumb saddle joint, painful swelling can occur in the fingers of a mouse arm and limit their mobility.
Another common disease affecting the wrists is carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve becomes trapped in the wrist tunnel (carpal tunnel), which can lead to a variety of problems. Symptoms include loss of sensation and pain in the fingers, which can also radiate to the entire arm. Numbness occurs primarily in the thumb, index finger, middle and ring finger. The first sign is that your hands fall asleep at night. The causes cannot be precisely explained. However, acute carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by inflammation or injuries in the wrist.
Back pain
“I have back” is probably the most well-known sentence that is mentioned in connection with office illnesses. No wonder, because if we're honest, we don't always have the best posture during our working hours. Due to the lack of ergonomics and the rarely changing sitting position, we often tend to “hunch”. Poor posture at work can cause all kinds of back pain. From mild tension pain to a herniated disc, complaints or illnesses in the back and neck area are probably the classic office illnesses.
But good news: the measures you can take Prevent or counteract back problems can, are simple and hardly take any time.
Cardiovascular diseases
Our cardiovascular system can also become ill due to office work. The reasons for this include, among other things, the lack of exercise resulting from sedentary work. Countering this after a long, strenuous day at work is incredibly difficult for many people. The often unhealthy diet of office workers also has a negative impact on our cardiovascular system. Together, this can have fatal consequences, especially in the more distant future. In order to detect damage early, a regular check-up is recommended.
Stomach and intestinal problems
“Something is heavy in my stomach,” “I have to digest that first” – these are just a few examples of metaphors that concern our gastrointestinal tract. Our physical and mental well-being is closely linked to our digestive system. So it's no wonder that there are so many associations here. Stomach and intestinal problems are also classic office illnesses. Among other things, it is affected by a lot of stress and an unhealthy diet, which is the case in many workplaces. If you mainly sit hunched over at your desk, you will also squeeze your gastrointestinal area, which can lead to pain. In addition to countless illnesses, a damaged or irritated gastrointestinal tract can also lead to allergies and intolerances if the diet is too one-sided for too long.
The invisible illnesses
Probably the most underestimated office illnesses are psychological. While the well-known burnout is one of the final stages before loss of work, “milder” psychological problems and complaints are often ignored until it is already too late. Early warning signals can include sleep disorders, increased headaches and tension pains as well as gastrointestinal complaints. If you suffer the first panic attack, immediate action is required.
The number one cause of depression is stress at work.
How can you prevent or counteract office illnesses?
Nutrition
As has become clear, there are also some occupational diseases in the office. In order to prevent the development of office illness from the outset, a balanced lifestyle is essential. Starting with a healthy diet. In addition to eating wholesome meals, you should also make sure not to eat any unhealthy snacks. A healthy alternative to cravings is any type of fruit or an oat bar, which provides additional energy. Try to avoid fast food and sweets. You should also avoid soft drinks or too much coffee.
Sit-stand movement ratio
In addition to diet, sufficient exercise and a balanced sitting-standing ratio are important. To avoid tension pain, change your position every half hour. An ergonomically designed workplace with one also supports you here high quality office chair and one height-adjustable desk. According to scientific research, standing work can lead to improved blood circulation, reduced strain on the back and increased calorie burning. This helps promote overall health and reduce the risk of various office-related illnesses such as back pain, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to note that constant standing can also lead to health problems such as pain in the legs and feet, varicose veins and increased stress levels. Experts therefore recommend a balanced mix of sitting and standing during working hours. Adjustable desks that allow you to work while standing or sitting can be a viable solution. Why not use your lunch break for a walk?
Work-life balance
A good work-life balance can prevent both physical and mental illnesses or help with complaints. However, it should be noted that the ratio between work and career does not have to be 50:50. Satisfaction with the work-life balance and the relationship between the areas varies from person to person. If you are dissatisfied with the relationship, talk to your superior and your private environment to find a solution.
Tips for preventing and alleviating office illnesses
Basically, it can be said that health at work is based on a healthy diet and enough movement is essential. A good work-life balance is also good for your health. Below we show a number of measures that can help prevent or alleviate office illnesses. However, always remember: These are layman's tips and not medical instructions.
If you have any health problems, please consult a doctor immediately!
Office eye syndrome / office eyes
- Pay attention to an ergonomic way of working and the correct screen angle
- Use screen glasses that filter blue light and can thus relieve eye strain
- Every now and then, take your eyes off your screen and look out the window into the distance
- Close your eyes briefly every now and then to prevent dehydration
Headache
- regularly ventilate your office
- provide sufficient and natural light
- drink enough
- exercise regularly
- occasionally roll your head and stretch
- pay attention to correct sitting posture
Mouse arm / carpal tunnel syndrome
- Do not adopt a protective posture, as this usually only worsens the pain and prolongs the healing process
- there is one here too correct sitting posture very important
- work with an ergonomic mouse and keyboard
- stretch your arms occasionally and roll your wrists
- clench your fist and then extend your fingers for a few repetitions
Back and neck pain
-
a ergonomically designed workplace is of utmost importance
-
correct sitting posture and the correct sitting-standing ratio while working
-
Make sure you get enough exercise and fresh air
-
Yoga can provide relief for minor complaints, as many joints are stressed but hardly put under any strain
Stomach and intestinal problems
-
a balanced and healthy eating is the top priority here
-
as well as movement
-
reduce stress factors
-
A healthy work-life balance supports your well-being
Mental illnesses
-
in fact, a healthy gastrointestinal tract is incredibly important for mental health
-
ensure general well-being
-
Differentiate yourself from Stress factors
-
avoid toxic personalities
And please remember one thing: There is NO shame in seeking help. On the contrary, it shows strength!
Why is the topic of health in the workplace so important?
Health at work has been and will continue to be an important issue. A person's health is the most important asset. In addition, a loss of work always means costs for the company, especially if it involves a longer period of sick leave. However, our working world is constantly changing and more and more people have a “sitting job”. As a result, occupational diseases and demands on companies are changing. Therefore, a company must remain adaptable in order to be able to respond to changing needs. Not least to ensure the employee's loyalty to the company. This is also illustrated by the current shortage of skilled workers. In order to prevent and prevent office illnesses, employers can also make a contribution. For example, a targeted 10-minute exercise break during working hours could increase employee health and satisfaction many times over. It is up to them whether the employees want to take part in this exercise break or whether they would prefer to continue working. These 10 minutes can either be a short walk, a few exercises at work or a short yoga session. This is how you can effectively counteract office illnesses.
Expert tip:
Correct working posture is essential both in the company and in the home office in order to prevent office illnesses. In order to promote health at work, it is therefore important to have an ergonomically designed workplace. On the one hand, this consists of one high-quality, ergonomic office chair, which meets your individual requirements and needs and on the other hand from one height-adjustable desk, which allows you to change your working position quickly and easily. Accessories, such as a multi-adjustable one Screen mount, as well as ergonomically adapted computer mice and keyboards, help you maintain a correct working posture. Also make sure that the office furniture has the correct setting. An incorrectly adjusted piece of office furniture can cause pain and, in the worst case, cause one of the office illnesses. Do you need help here? Then please contact us certified specialist advisor.
Conclusion
Can office work make you sick? Definitely. As in all other areas of activity, there are occupational diseases here too. In this case, these are referred to as office illnesses and include all illnesses and complaints that can arise as a result of the work carried out.
Office illnesses range from harmless minor aches and pains to serious illnesses. In any case, it is advisable to prevent such problems from occurring in the first place. Maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle an ergonomic workplace and a balance to counteract the lack of exercise. This way you can stay healthy at work at all times.