Back pain while working from home: preparing for workstation adjustments

An article on workspace setup cannot diagnose sciatica or prescribe treatment. If you are in pain, seek guidance to adapt your activities and workstation.

Checks to carry out

1. Describe your day

   Note the activities you perform, your workspaces, and the times when you feel discomfort. This information can help facilitate a discussion about your situation.

2. Document the adjustments

   Note the adjustment options for your chair, the height of the work surface, and the space available for tools. A photograph of the workstation can help explain the setup.

3. Review practical constraints

   Check whether you can get close to the work surface, reach useful items, and change positions without obstacles.

4. Evaluate equipment with appropriate advice

   A cushion or a different chair is not a universal solution. Check its usefulness in your situation and its compatibility with the rest of the workstation before choosing.

Moving to the next step

Start with a simple change, then observe its use over several sessions. Define the role of any potential equipment before comparing models.

Read our workspace setup advice · Complete the remote work assessment

Guidelines and limitations

To learn more about workstation setup, see the Working with screens: risk prevention, INRS guide. This general advice does not replace medical advice or a personalized assessment of the workstation.