BACK PAIN FOUND TO BE THE LEADING CAUSE OF SICK LEAVE

Back pain can be caused by numerous issues, but a lack of good posture is among the top, as is improper lifting. The modern person spends the majority of their day at their desk, sitting in a chair in front of a computer. This constant sitting can do a good amount of damage to our backs. We have always known back pain can lead to sick leave, but studies are bringing even more light to the problem.

Back pain has become the number one cause of sick leave around the world today. Having a healthy back is essential to being a productive worker. Further, back pain can lead to bigger problems. Especially if you continue to work with back pain.

WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN?

We already mentioned two causes of back pain, improper lifting and improper posture. Some other causes of back pain include injuries, ruptured disks, arthritis, herniated discs, slipped discs, and spinal problems. There are many other potential issues that can cause back pain.

One reason for back pain being such a problem is that the back is a complicated system. Many different parts make up the back from bones to muscles. An injury to a part of the back can easily start to strain other parts of the system.

STEPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN

Preventing back pain can help to ensure that you and your coworkers do not miss work. A healthy back, and through that a healthy life, will not just make sure that you can go to work every day but also live a healthy life. Due to the nature of back pain, it is always easier to try to prevent it than to treat it after the fact. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to avoid back pain.

PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE

A healthy back starts with good posture but most of us aren’t born with good posture. Instead, we learn it. Read about good posture and start to intentionally practice it whenever you get a chance. Deeper breathing can help you to maintain proper posture. Remember that posture changes based on what you are doing. For example, if you are sitting you hold yourself one way, if you are standing you hold yourself another way. Learn each way so that you can continuously be practicing good posture.

Good lifting practices should also be used to maintain a healthy back. Lift with your knees, never your back. Keep anything you lift close to your body and do not twist around while holding it. Think of this as lifting posture and practice it whenever lifting anything heavy or big.

ACTIVE SITTING

Active sitting is a great way to aid in keeping your posture and thus protect your back. Like you may have guessed, the term refers to sitting in a way that you can still be active. One example of this is using a balance chair or an under-desk bike.

KEEP AN ACTIVE BRAIN

If we aren’t able to have an active brain we will forget about the basics, such as checking our posture. Try engaging in active brain games to enhance your mental strength and focus. While doing these activities, make sure to practice good posture!

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

A high energy level can help you to get past your back pain. Many of us are tempted to rest when our back hurts but that can have negative impacts. Instead you want to be physically active. Active sitting is good but getting up and engaging in activities like jogging, walking, biking, and more can help to alleviate your back pain.

Being physically active will also help you to maintain a healthy weight which is important for keeping back pain away.

AVOID MEDICATION

Back pain often leads people to wanting to take medication such as Tylenol. Some people turn to stronger medications. Becoming reliant on these medications only masks the back pain, it doesn’t make it go away. 

Part of maintaining a healthy back comes down to good posture using Ergonomic furniture but the overall key is living a healthy life. Educating yourself about your health and body will help tremendously. Also, remember while it is easier to prevent back pain, it isn’t too hard to get rid of it too. Keep up your physical and mental strength.

BACK PAIN FOUND TO BE THE LEADING CAUSE OF SICK LEAVE

Back pain can be caused by numerous issues, but a lack of good posture is among the top, as is improper lifting. The modern person spends the majority of their day at their desk, sitting in a chair in front of a computer. This constant sitting can do a good amount of damage to our backs. We have always known back pain can lead to sick leave, but studies are bringing even more light to the problem.

Back pain has become the number one cause of sick leave around the world today. Having a healthy back is essential to being a productive worker. Further, back pain can lead to bigger problems. Especially if you continue to work with back pain.

WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN?

We already mentioned two causes of back pain, improper lifting and improper posture. Some other causes of back pain include injuries, ruptured disks, arthritis, herniated discs, slipped discs, and spinal problems. There are many other potential issues that can cause back pain.

One reason for back pain being such a problem is that the back is a complicated system. Many different parts make up the back from bones to muscles. An injury to a part of the back can easily start to strain other parts of the system.

STEPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN

Preventing back pain can help to ensure that you and your coworkers do not miss work. A healthy back, and through that a healthy life, will not just make sure that you can go to work every day but also live a healthy life. Due to the nature of back pain, it is always easier to try to prevent it than to treat it after the fact. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to avoid back pain.

PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE

A healthy back starts with good posture but most of us aren’t born with good posture. Instead, we learn it. Read about good posture and start to intentionally practice it whenever you get a chance. Deeper breathing can help you to maintain proper posture. Remember that posture changes based on what you are doing. For example, if you are sitting you hold yourself one way, if you are standing you hold yourself another way. Learn each way so that you can continuously be practicing good posture.

Good lifting practices should also be used to maintain a healthy back. Lift with your knees, never your back. Keep anything you lift close to your body and do not twist around while holding it. Think of this as lifting posture and practice it whenever lifting anything heavy or big.

ACTIVE SITTING

Active sitting is a great way to aid in keeping your posture and thus protect your back. Like you may have guessed, the term refers to sitting in a way that you can still be active. One example of this is using a balance chair or an under-desk bike.

KEEP AN ACTIVE BRAIN

If we aren’t able to have an active brain we will forget about the basics, such as checking our posture. Try engaging in active brain games to enhance your mental strength and focus. While doing these activities, make sure to practice good posture!

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

A high energy level can help you to get past your back pain. Many of us are tempted to rest when our back hurts but that can have negative impacts. Instead you want to be physically active. Active sitting is good but getting up and engaging in activities like jogging, walking, biking, and more can help to alleviate your back pain.

Being physically active will also help you to maintain a healthy weight which is important for keeping back pain away.

AVOID MEDICATION

Back pain often leads people to wanting to take medication such as Tylenol. Some people turn to stronger medications. Becoming reliant on these medications only masks the back pain, it doesn’t make it go away. 

Part of maintaining a healthy back comes down to good posture using Ergonomic furniture but the overall key is living a healthy life. Educating yourself about your health and body will help tremendously. Also, remember while it is easier to prevent back pain, it isn’t too hard to get rid of it too. Keep up your physical and mental strength.