Working from home has many advantages: no commuting time, more flexibility, and comfort. But there is also a downside: back pain from working at home has become one of the most common health problems in the Netherlands. Research shows that more than 40 percent of remote workers suffer from back pain, neck pain, or shoulder tension. How does this happen, and what can you do about it? Posture clothing plays an important role in this.
Why do you get back pain from working at home?
In the office, your workspace is usually ergonomically designed: a good office chair, a monitor at eye level, and enough movement by walking to colleagues. At home, most people work on the couch, at the kitchen table, or on a chair that is not adjusted for prolonged sitting. The result: you tilt your head forward, your shoulders rise, and your lower back loses its natural curve. After a few hours, you feel this.
Moreover, you move less at home. You no longer walk to the coffee machine or to a meeting room. You sit for hours on end, which puts strain on the back muscles and worsens posture. The combination of a poor workspace and insufficient movement makes working from home a risk for your back.
How posture clothing prevents back pain when working from home
Posture clothing is a smart addition to ergonomic furniture. A posture shirt or back brace helps you automatically adopt a better posture while working from home. The gentle compression constantly reminds your body of the correct position of your back and shoulders, even when you are not actively thinking about your posture.
Because the back muscles do not have to work as hard to keep you upright, they experience less fatigue. This means less pain at the end of the workday. Many remote workers notice a significant difference after just a few days of wearing posture clothing.
Which posture clothing is best for remote workers?
For remote workers, comfort is the first requirement: you want to be able to wear the clothing all day. A posture shirt or compression shirt is ideal for this: it is as comfortable as a regular T-shirt but with built-in posture support. For people with more serious back issues, a lumbar support brace is recommended, which you wear around your waist to provide extra support for the lower back.
Tips to reduce back pain from working at home
In addition to wearing posture clothing, there are more things you can do. Stand up every thirty minutes and walk for a minute: this alone significantly reduces back pain. Ensure your monitor is at eye level to avoid tilting your head down. Use a chair that allows your feet to be flat on the ground and your knees to form a ninety-degree angle. Do five minutes of stretching exercises for your back every day. And wear your posture clothing consistently: most people notice clear results after two to four weeks.
Back brace when working from home: when do you choose this?
A back brace is more heavy-duty than a posture shirt. You opt for a back brace if you already have existing back issues, if your physiotherapist recommends it, or if you know you have an extra intensive workday ahead. A back brace should be worn for a maximum of two hours per session to avoid weakening the back muscles. Always combine a back brace with exercises and movement.
How many people suffer from back pain due to working from home?
Research from TNO shows that nearly 40 percent of working Dutch people regularly work from home, and that back pain is the most commonly reported health issue among remote workers. In the Netherlands alone, more than 800,000 people suffer from work-related back pain each year. The economic loss due to absenteeism from back pain amounts to billions of euros per year. Good posture clothing is therefore not only a personal investment but also a smart preventive measure.
š Do you also work from home and suffer from back pain? Check out the range of home office posture clothing at Postuurkleding.nl and feel the difference from day one. view here