Back Pain

Whether it is a persistent dull ache or a sudden sharp pain, back pain can affect your productivity at home and work. Unfortunately, many occupations, including construction, nursing, and factory work, place great demands on your back. You don’t have to be hands-on to experience back pain; even routine office work can cause or worsen the condition. While back pain is common, Peter Wenger MD recommends medical evaluation because sometimes it may signify an underlying condition. Read on to understand the common causes of back pain at work.

What causes back pain at work?

As previously mentioned, some occupations place significant demands on your back, putting you at risk of back pain. For instance, you will likely develop back pain if your job involves lifting or moving heavy objects. Such activities exert too much force on your back and can cause injury. Repetitive movements involving twisting or rotating your spine are also a culprit for back pain. Inactivity also contributes to back pain, hence why you should break long hours of sitting with stretches. Preventing back pain and injuries at work

If your occupation puts you at risk of back pain, there are things you can do to avoid or prevent injuries that could cause back pain. For instance, you want to maintain good posture all the time. Stand straight with your weight evenly balanced on your feet. Choose an ergonomic chair that supports your back and lets your feet rest flat on the floor when sitting.

It is also important to lift properly; get close to the heavy object, bend your knees, tighten your stomach muscles, and use your leg muscles to support your back as you stand. Always ask for help if the object is too heavy to lift safely.

Back pain and lifestyle factors

Other contributing factors to back pain include poor physical condition, old age, and obesity. Some factors, like weight, are within your control, but you have no control over some, like age. Healthcare providers recommend eating a healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis – a condition that causes your bones to become weak, brittle, and more susceptible to fractures. Many of the bone fractures that cause back pain result from osteoporosis.

Exercise is also essential since it helps strengthen your back muscles and abdomen and increase flexibility. Simple exercises like swimming and walking can help work your back muscles. To decrease your risk of falls, your doctor may recommend exercises like yoga, tai chi, and weight-bearing; these exercises challenge your balance.

Experts recommend at least two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity. Spread these exercises throughout the week and include strength-training exercises in your workouts at least twice weekly.

Smoking is also associated with back pain since it limits blood flow and nutrients to your lower spine, causing degeneration and slow healing from injuries. The coughing associated with smoking can also cause or worsen existing back pain. Therefore, quitting smoking is great for your back and your overall health.

If you have persistent back pain, book an appointment with your doctor at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., for treatment to improve your quality of life.