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Back pain at work: Preventing pain and injury

Heavy lifting, repetitive movements and sitting at a desk all day can take a toll on your back. Get the facts about back pain at work and how to prevent it.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Whether it's dull and achy or sharp and stabbing, back pain can make it hard to concentrate on your job. Unfortunately, many occupations — such as nursing, construction and factory work — can place significant demands on your back. Even routine office work can cause or worsen back pain. Understand what causes back pain at work and what you can do to prevent it.

What are the common causes of back pain at work?

A number of factors can contribute to back pain at work. For example:

  • Force. Exerting too much force on your back — such as by lifting or moving heavy objects — can cause injury.
  • Repetition. Repeating certain movements can lead to muscle fatigue or injury.
  • Posture. Slouching exaggerates your back's natural curves, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.

Of course, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors — such as obesity, sleeping position, poor physical condition, smoking and stress — also can contribute to back pain.

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References
  1. Low back pain fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/back_pain.htm. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  2. Low back pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  3. Industrial and shops. Division of Occupational Health and Safety. http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndSafety/Ergonomics/atwork/Pages/industrial.aspx#lifting. Accessed March 7, 2013.
  4. Everett T, et al. Human Movement: An Introductory Text. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2010:61.
  5. Evaluation of neck and back pain. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec04/ch041/ch041a.html. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  6. How to sit at a computer. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00261. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  7. Miranda H, et al. Occupational loading, health behavior and sleep disturbance as predictors of low-back pain. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. 2008;34:411.
  8. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/PAGUIDELINES/guidelines/default.aspx. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  9. Zhao I, et al. The effects of shift work and interaction between shift work and overweight/obesity on low back pain in nurses: Results from a longitudinal study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2012;54:820.
  10. Lifting and back safety. National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/members_get_more/Documents/Lifting%20and%20Back%20Safety.pdf. Accessed March 7, 2013.
  11. Lifting without overexertion. National Safety Council. http://www.nsc.org/safetyhealth/Pages/3.11SafetyTipsLiftingwithoutoverexertion.aspx#.UTjLBVfBlrM. Accessed March 7, 2013.
  12. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 7, 2013.
  13. Muscolino JE. Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011:601.
HQ00955 May 16, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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