Back pain has become a very common pathology among the population. In many cases, this pain arises as a consequence of the working day, either in jobs that require physical effort or in those that require a monotonous posture for the back. This ailment not only affects performance at work, but can also affect people's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to follow guidelines to prevent its appearance, as well as to go to a specialist to avoid a chronic injury, which can directly affect the patient's quality of life.
Back pain at work
In the workplace, back pain often occurs as a direct consequence of daily activity. In jobs that involve lifting weights or operating machinery, the physical demands can trigger discomfort that, without proper care, can lead to injury.
On the other hand, back pain can also arise due to poor posture associated with a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially true in office jobs, where postures are adopted that directly affect the back. Lack of movement and inappropriate postures, such as sitting with one leg crossed or a hunched back, can be harmful in the long term.
Causes of back pain at work
The causes of back pain at work are mainly due to three factors:
- Physical effort: activities that require great efforts, such as lifting heavy loads or moving heavy objects or machinery, generate significant pressure on the back muscles, increasing the risk of injury.
- Repetitive or forced postures: Constant repetition of certain postures or movements can put the back in forced positions, which causes muscle tension and, over time, can lead to injuries.
- Sedentary lifestyle: This factor is particularly evident in office jobs, where people spend several hours in the same position. This leads to bad posture, for example, sitting with one leg crossed, which causes all the weight to fall on one side of the body, or an excessive curvature of the spine.
Due to this, many companies choose to hire a physiotherapy service for companies, thus improving the work well-being of employees.
Factors that cause back pain
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of suffering from back pain. Firstly, the age and aging are determining factors, since with the passage of time, the cartilage and structures of the spine wear out, making the patient more prone to developing back pain.
Secondly, the obesity represents another important risk factor. Excess weight puts greater pressure on the structures of the back, which increases the likelihood of injuries such as herniated discs.
Likewise, the poor physical condition The patient's health also has a negative impact, since if the back muscles are not strengthened, there is a greater risk of developing injuries and pathologies.
Therefore, it is very important if you suffer any of the symptoms or injuries mentioned throughout this article, Always consult with a team of specialists in back and spine ailments.
Prevention of back pain in the workplace
In many cases, the appearance of back pain is inevitable. However, there are certain guidelines that can help prevent the onset of back pain. First of all, is It is important to work on postural hygiene and modify habits, that is, correct posture to avoid forced positions for the spine.
Besides, It is important to correct the technique when carrying out activities that involve lifting heavy loads or making sudden movements.
In the case of office activities that involve repetitive postures for the back for long hours, it is important to perform Active breaks and changing positions periodicallyAlternating between sitting and standing, or doing brief stretches to release muscle tension, can prevent overstrain and reduce the risk of back pain.
Finally, strengthening your back and abdominal muscles through low-impact exercises, such as walking or yoga, can provide additional support to your spine, reducing your risk of injury.
Guidelines to avoid back pain
To avoid the appearance of back pain as a result of the work day, it is important to perform back stretches, to help the muscle relaxation. Furthermore, as mentioned, it is important to make position changes throughout the day, to avoid overload and tension in the lumbar area.
From time to time, it would be advisable Go to a physiotherapist to correct injuries and treat existing contractures. This will also help the patient acquire a correct and relaxed posture for their back.
What should be done about back pain?
When faced with persistent back pain, the first thing to do is to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the cause, treatment may vary from physical therapy to medication, changes in routine, or specific exercises. It is important that the patient follows the professional's recommendations to ensure proper recovery and prevent the injury from worsening, thus protecting the health of the spine in the long term.
Exercises to prevent back pain
There are certain exercises and sports practices that can help prevent back pain. First of all, it is essential to stretch before and after practicing sports. Before, they are important to prepare the muscles and afterwards, so that they recover their usual posture.
Furthermore, to avoid back pain, it is important to strengthen the core, that is, the abdominal area, which will help avoid overloading the lumbar area.
Practices like yoga or pilates can be very useful to achieve postural balance, as well as the correction of posture and muscle relaxation, which can significantly prevent the appearance of back injuries.
Can you work with back pain?
Working with back pain is not ideal, but in many cases, it is a reality that we face. If the back pain is mild, some people can continue with their tasks, but it is always advisable not to ignore it. If you feel constant pain, especially when sitting for long periods, we recommend that you go to a Consult with our spine specialistsOur team will be able to diagnose the cause of your illness, providing you with a treatment that will allow you to improve your quality of life as soon as possible.
