Back pain is a major ergonomic hazard that is becoming increasingly common owing to changing work patterns.
Back pain, especially low back pain, is often associated with functional disability as well as economic and social consequences. It is one of the most expensive diseases in the age group of 25-50, as it leads to serious loss of productivity. It is estimated that the loss of work resulting from backache costs 30 billion dollars annually in the US. Backache ranks second to cold and cough as a cause of loss of work. Individuals with chronic back pain usually suffer from physical impairment, behavioral changes, hopelessness, and lethargy.
Back pain at workplace results either from non-accidental injury, where pain arises as a result of poor body mechanics such as slouching a seat, prolonged sitting and fatigue; or it results from accidental injury or accidents such as slipping, falling from a height and even hitting one’s head against a cabinet door. Workers undertaking physically demanding jobs such as repetitive lifting of heavy objects are at greatest risk for both non-accidental and accidental back injury.
People who are in the desk job most of the day are prone to non-accidental back injury. Our working style has changed, it is more technology dependent now. Many of us end up working on computers for as much as 15 hours per day! Prolonged periods of sitting or other sedentary activity is not good for back health and may cause muscle fatigue since the back and abdominal muscles have to work really hard to maintain the body in a single position for prolonged periods. Added to the joints involved - knees, hips and joints – have to remain stationary or in a bad posture for long hours. Incorrect posture and muscle fatigue are partly responsible for initiating osteoporosis at a very early ages and put such people at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
One must remember that backache is only a symptom of innumerable other causes besides spine related problems. The back pain maybe related to cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urological or gynecological problems. Besides injury and straining, the backache originating from the spine can also be due to tumor, infection, inflammation, metabolic disorders, degenerative disc conditions, spondylosis, and spondylitis.
Back pain and lifestyle
Of course, factors such as aging, obesity and poor physical condition can also contribute to back pain. While you can't control your age, you can focus on maintaining a healthy weight, which minimizes stress on your back.
Start by eating a healthy diet. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients can help prevent a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis is responsible for many of the bone fractures that lead to back pain.
Combine aerobic exercise, such as swimming or walking, with exercises that strengthen and stretch your back muscles and abdomen. Exercises that increase your balance and strength can also decrease your risk of falling and injuring your back. Consider tai chi, yoga and weight-bearing exercises that challenge your balance.
For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity — preferably spread throughout the week — and strength training exercises at least twice a week.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to your lower spine, which can contribute to spinal disk degeneration and slow healing from back injuries. Coughing associated with smoking can also cause back pain.
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