Back Pain @ work Introduction
Back Pain at work – Are you stuck at your desk?
A recent survey by the British Chiropractic Association has found that workers experiencing back pain at work take 12 sick days per year.
Another study conducted by the neuropathy experts at GSHS reveals that a third of the population have taken at least one day off work due to back or neck pain in the past year. More than a fifth of workers feel that back pain has a negative impact on their working life.
Research from the British Chiropractic Association found that 40% of workers who have to sit for most of their working day, felt that they aren’t able to take regular breaks. Only 6% are actively encouraged to move. Even though it is known that sitting for too long aggravates neck and back pain. Just by getting up and moving and walking around will ease the pain to some extent.
The study also found that less than a quarter of employers offered advice on sitting and reducing work related back pain. Even fewer have been offered desk assessment or ergonomic chairs. Back pain can also be caused by injuries at the workplace, things such as heavy lifting, slips and falls can all lead to a back injury. If you have experienced any kind of accident/injury at your job make sure you contact a job site accident lawyer for guidance.
Top Tips
Back Pain at Work – Are you sitting on suitable seats at work?
It is important to recognise what individuals can do for themselves even if they don’t have access to ergonomic chairs and desks. Getting up regularly to have drinks of water or making the most of a lunch hour is vital. Maybe go for a walk or get out of the office for a while.
This research from the British Chiropractic Association ties in with the Lancet’s research series on low back pain which showed that musculoskeletal pain causes nearly half of work absences in the EU.
Try to keep moving whether sitting at a desk or driving and ideally change your position every 20-30 minutes.
Back Pain at Work- don’t suffer, get moving!
Take advantage of any work station assessment to ensure correct sitting and working positions. Useful aids include screen stands or standing desks.
Employers may consider using an app such as Step Jockey, which encourages the work force to move more.
If your back pain has not eased after two weeks, it may be a sign of an undiagnosed problem. If this is the case, you can contact the Iveson Clinic for advice and if appropriate, treatment.
Tel: 01787 374964
E mail: info.ivesonclinic@gmail.com
