Back Pain On The Job: Suffer No More

Sometimes your back hurts so much that you think you cannot get out of bed and go to work. When you try to lift something, shots of pain leave you in misery. If you have to sit at your desk for another minute, you think you might scream! If this sounds like you, don't despair! This article will guide you through what it takes to beat that back pain back into submission.

For desk-bound workers, back pain is often a constant problem. The fact is that most people don't have their workstation set up to be ergonomically sound. Desks need to be adjustable so that the keyboard is held at a 90-degree angle to the body. The chair must be at a height so that feet are flat on the ground and the knees are also at a 90-degree angle. The monitor has to be raised so that the head is neither tilted up nor down. This will relieve both neck and back pain quickly and easily.

If your job involves lifting heavy objects by hand, you must do it correctly. Never bend at the waist, instead bend at the knees and squat down. Get a firm grip on the item and then lift with your legs, not your back. If you can convince your boss to invest in a pump truck by advising him that lost time due to injury or back pain is costing him more than such a machine is worth, then go for it!

If you are lifting heavy items frequently, invest in a back support. This is a wide elastic band which wraps around your torso and often has straps which go over your shoulders. It keeps your back straight and supported so that your posture never goes out of whack. It is a sure way to keep your back healthy and happy.

Speaking of posture, how do you sit in your chair? How do you stand? If you slouch, you will find that your back will hurt all of the time. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and tighten your stomach muscles. When you sit, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Good posture leads to a reduction in pain.

If you need it, ask for help. Whether it be a new chair and desk at work, or a helping hand lifting something heavy, you shouldn't risk injury to your back because you are afraid to ask for help. When you need it, there are always people who can offer help.

Lastly, speak to your doctor if you can't find relief in these tips. He may refer you to a specialist, or you may need to be tested for more serious issues. He will know what to do when the pain is just too much.

Companies are losing millions of dollars in work-related injuries or time off for employees who have back issues. The time has come for us all to start fixing this problem to ensure workers are able to work and employers aren't hemorrhaging money. If we all work together, we can make back pain a thing of the past, all thanks to the tips in this article.