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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 staffWhether 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 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, particularly if you're stretching to the limit of your range of motion or using awkward body positioning.
- Posture. Slouching exaggerates your back's natural curves, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.
- Stress. Pressure at work can increase your stress level and lead to muscle tension and tightness, which can contribute to or worsen back pain.
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References
- 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 Nov. 17, 2010.
- Low back pain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
- Krawciw D, et al. Occupational low back pain: Evaluation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
- Krawciw D, et al. Occupational low back pain: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
- Neck and back pain. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec04/ch041/ch041a.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
- How to sit at a computer. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00261. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- 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.
- 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Berge KG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 24, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 29, 2010.
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