It’s long overdue that I share a post about the crucial role of ergonomists in chronic back pain relief — especially the invaluable support I’ve received from my ergonomist, Olivier Girard!
WHY AN ERGONOMIST CAN HELP DECREASE THE BACK PAIN YOU’RE FEELING
Chronic back pain often stems from underlying conditions, like herniated discs for instance, which can cause persistent discomfort and limit daily activities. However, the pain isn’t just influenced by the condition itself—it can be significantly worsened by inadequate posture, poor movement habits, or an environment that strains the body. Prolonged sitting, standing, or repetitive motions in poorly designed setups can amplify the pressure on sensitive areas, exacerbating pain. This is where an ergonomist becomes invaluable. By addressing the way you interact with your environment, they help minimize strain, support proper alignment, and create conditions that reduce pain and aid recovery.
HOW ERGONOMISTS ADDRESS CHRONIC BACK PAIN
In my case, I had about 9 sessions with my ergonomist, Olivier Girard. The sessions took place in my apartment; starting with an assessment of my condition, my environment and habits. He observed my posture, workspace setup, and movement patterns. From there, he created a tailored plan to address my needs. Here are some of the areas we tackled:
1. POSTURAL AWARENESS: Beyond equipment, ergonomists educate individuals on maintaining proper posture. They identify habits like slouching or leaning and teach corrective techniques to reduce strain on the back. Olivier taught me over the weeks how to properly stand, seat and walk…thanks to him, I became aware of habits that I had to change in order to reduce unnecessary tensions in my back.
2. OPTIMIZING DAILY ACTIVITIES: From lifting objects to reaching for items on shelves, everyday actions can exacerbate back pain if done incorrectly. Olivier analyzed my movements around the house and provided guidance on daily activities such as how to properly ‘stand-up’, ‘lay down’ or ‘get up from bed’.
3. WORKSTATION ADJUSTMENTS: One of the leading contributors to chronic back pain is poor posture during work. Prolonged sitting at a desk with improper alignment can worsen pain over time. Olivier assessed my workstation and recommend adjustments, such as the right ergonomic chair for my condition, monitor placement, use of external keyboard/mouse or desk height adjustments. In my case, implementing a standing desk made all the difference.
4. CUSTOMIZED HOME/CAR SOLUTIONS: Pain doesn’t stop when the workday ends. Ergonomists can evaluate home environments to identify pain triggers. Olivier helped me rethink how you relax on the couch – selecting several pillows that would help support my back properly when laying down in the couch to watch TV or read a book. He also helped me select and install the right cushions to use inside the car.
5. PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES: For individuals with recurring back pain, ergonomists emphasize prevention. They help design routines and systems that reduce stress on the back before pain becomes chronic, such as integrating movement breaks and stretching into your day. Olivier taught me techniques to relax my back several times throughout the day as well as specific stretching techniques to perform when my pain would build up in certain areas of my back.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to the expertise and guidance of my ergonomist, Olivier Girard, I’ve been able to lower my back pain, regain my functionality, and work toward recovery. His tailored solutions have been truly life-changing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact he’s had on my journey. If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, have you considered how your environment might be contributing to it? Consulting with an ergonomist could be the key to relieving your pain and reclaiming your quality of life; and I strongly recommend! To me it’s been a key element in the toolkit I’ve used to recover from my Tarlov Cysts flare up.
What steps have you taken to manage your back pain? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!