Why working from home can be a pain in the back - and how a Harborough osteopath wants to help

A leading Harborough osteopath has launched a mission to help and support people working at home during the Covid crisis.

Emily Coombes, 33, is stepping up through the gears as she sets out to make sure home workers avoid all the aches, strains and niggles of swapping your regular office for your bedroom, kitchen or front room.

Based at The Manor rural business hub in Tur Langton, near Market Harborough, Emily told the Harborough Mail: “Working at home is fast becoming a massive issue.

“Many thousands more people across South Leicestershire and throughout the UK are being forced to work in their own houses or flats due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Loads and loads of people are calling me or coming to see me all the time desperately asking for advice and guidance.”

The highly-qualified osteopath added: “This whole thing is becoming so big that I thought I’d turn to the Harborough Mail to try to reach as many people out there needing urgent help as possible.

“Don’t let having to work at home turn into a gigantic pain.

“Both men and women, mums and dads, are complaining of suffering severe headaches because they are not set up properly.

“They are also, inevitably, suffering head, neck and shoulder issues as well as back and leg problems as a result of having to work at home.

“Getting set up right at home is not just desirable – it’s absolutely vital,” said Emily, who qualified 12 years ago and worked in Leicester before launching her own operation at Kibworth Medical Centre.

“Big ergonomic desks are great but not everyone has the space for them – and they’re not cheap either.

“People are finding it a real battle to get this right.

“Many of us are using laptops day in day out.

“But they are the worst named devices ever!

“What ever you do, don’t work with a laptop on your lap, rig up a good stable desk or platform,” she warned.

“And use a remote keyboard and mouse and proper stand to make it easier and safer.

“Make sure you get your posture right as well or you really will start to suffer physically.

“Open your window and let in the crisp fresh air, even in the winter when it’s cold.

“Listen to the birds in your garden and bring the outside world into your new workplace – don’t seal yourself off in your own little orbit,” urged Emily, who has two young children and a teenage stepson.

“And this is critical – ensure that you have regular breaks, stay flexible.

“Use an oven timer, not your phone, to get you up and about every 20-30 minutes at least.

“It’s fatal to just sit there, tapping away all day long.

“One of my favourite mantras is Movement is Medicine.

“You wouldn’t sit there asleep would you?

“So why would you let your key muscles, your arms, your back, your legs, doze off and fall asleep?

“It’s crucial to move around, for your mental health as well as your physical wellbeing.

“Demand for advice has shot through the roof – so I’ve written several dedicated blogs spelling out exactly what home workers should and shouldn’t be doing,” said Emily.

“I’ve also just posted up a new piece for schoolchildren.

“We’ve got thousands of students being forced to work at home again now and it’s just as important that they get it right as it is for adults.

“So it’s simple really.

“Follow the basic rules, set yourself up properly and you’ll really enjoy and making the most of working at home during this extraordinary time.”

Click here to read Emily’s new blog about staying well at home: Keeping your Physical Health a number ONE priority when at work!And you can read her expert advice for children being schooled at home here: Ergonomics for our children