Back pain resulting from work: Preventing back pain, aches and injuries
Suffering, as a result of back pain can make it difficult to perform your job. However, understanding the origins of back pain, related to the workplace, can assist one in avoiding this debilitating condition.
Whether a person’s back pain is merely a dull throb or a sharp agonizing pain that requires immediate attention, back pain can make it hard or nearly impossible to concentrate or function in one’s job. Many occupations are at particular risk for back pain – such as construction work, nursing or factory work. But even everyday office routines can contribute to worsening, chronic back pain – if one places themselves at risk by falling into bad habits. With an understanding of the causes of back pain, it becomes a more simple matter to prevent it.
What causes back pain/injuries?
The medical field is not completely sure regarding all of the causes of back pain. Actually, it’s thought that most back injuries are the result of a combination of issues. Some things cannot be avoided – such as a family history of back problems. However, some things are controllable, such as physical fitness, flexibility and weight. The only thing that may be required is a change in lifestyle. The real problems lay with work-related factors and some of these might be hard to identify and/or modify.
Four main work-related factors which are associated with an increased risk of back pain and injury:
- Posture is related to the position that is assumed when you are standing, sitting or performing some task. For example, when sitting in front of the computer for extended periods of time can result in aches or pains. On the average, a person can sit in one position for 20 minutes before feeling the need to adjust their body.
- Repetition refers to the number of times a certain action or movement is repeated. Awkward body positioning, stretching to one’s complete range of motion or just repeating a movement over and over can lead to fatigue and muscle injury.
- Stress from pressures at home or work-related stress can tighten back muscles which may lead to back pain.
- Force that is placed on back muscles by moving or lifting heavy objects can also lead to back injuries.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
Back injuries can result from many causes and have long-term effects. If you’ve suffered a back injury on the job, you may want to contact personal injury lawyer Gary R. Jodat at his office in Sarasota, Florida.