The time we spend every single day at work, whether we spend it sitting in an office chair or doing strenuous labor, can do serious harm to the muscles, ligaments, and bone structures of our backs. It is important to learn how to minimize back pain at work and what causes back pain. Several factors contribute to back pain at work.
Posture, poor lifting skills, and stress from either repetitive motion or prolonged static posture can cause back pain. At the Non-Surgical Spine Center, we recognize the importance of putting everyday actions into practice for a healthier life. To start, you first have to acknowledge what could be causing the pain in the first place.
The Dangers of Stationary Work
Back pain is commonly associated with spending long periods of time in a seated position. The body is designed to stay in a single position for 20 minutes or less at a time. When movement is restricted, aches and pains can begin to settle in as the strain on muscle groups grows.
Over time, a loss of elasticity in the soft tissues and muscles can leave the back vulnerable to injury. Minimize back pain by first taking this concept into consideration.
Lifting Problems
Strenuous labor is no guard against back pain. Regular lifting and stretching can injure your back as easily as sitting in one place for too long. Repetitive motion puts a serious strain on muscles that were designed for short bursts of activity, not the demands of a long shift.
When lifting from the floor, lifting overhead, using rotational force, or twisting while handling materials, it’s easy to injure one’s back. This does not help minimize back pain.
Minimize Back Pain
To minimize back pain means preventing the injuries and strains that lead to pain. Whether you have a desk job or do strenuous, physical labor, posture, and ergonomics are the keys to preventing back pain at work. While standing or sitting in one place for long periods of time, be sure to take frequent breaks. Get up, walk around, and stretch. Consider using a standing desk.
If a standing desk is impractical, be sure to use an ergonomic desk chair that offers adequate support to the lower back and allows you to sit with the thighs slightly angled down to take pressure off the hips.
For laborers, it’s important to be aware of your movements and the way you lift and carry. Lift with your legs and avoid leaning forward when lifting heavy objects. Consider engaging help, whenever possible, when lifting heavy or bulky items.
Taking care of your back and neck will ensure years of healthy, pain-free work. All it takes is simple changes to your day-to-day actions to ensure there is less chance of injury. Are you suffering from instances of back pain? Call the Non Surgical Spine Center today for more tips on how to minimize your risk of back pain at work. You may find the solution you did not know you needed!
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