Do you suffer from back pain? Back pain is one of the most common complaints heard at doctors’ offices. It is considered chronic if it has lasted more than three months. This chronic pain can temporarily diminish mobility, which inhibits the sufferer’s daily activities. In many cases, the root cause of this pain can be from a person’s chosen profession. Here are 5 jobs to avoid if you suffer from back pain.

1. Truck Driver: Truck driver pain is caused by the constant compression and vibration from sitting for long periods of time in a vehicle. This causes spinal compression and the lower back muscles to tighten.
2. Construction Worker: Construction workers are at risk for back pain for a variety of reasons, including holding and maneuvering machinery in awkward positions, repetition, lifting and pulling heavy objects.
3. Landscaper: Landscapers are often lifting heavy objects, such as bags of dirt and small trees. Repetition of bending up and down can also cause back pain.
4. Police: Similar to truck drivers, policeman spend a lot of time in their cars. This coupled with the weight of their equipment puts them at risk for lower back pain.
5. Nurse: Nurses often have to help patients get up, dressed, undressed, etc. This movement can often lead to back pain.

If you find yourself in one of these jobs, check out these tips for avoiding work-related injuries.

Ask for Help

Overexertion is one of the most common workplace injuries. It can be caused by excessive pushing, pulling, lifting or throwing. Always make sure you have proper technique and training. For example, when lifting heavy objects, make sure to lift with your legs and not your back. To avoid sprains and strains to the lower back, listen to your body and don’t be afraid to ask for help or use a device to assist you.

Wear Proper Safety Gear      

Whether it’s a hardhat, goggles or simply a seatbelt, make sure to wear the appropriate safety attire for your environment. This simple step helps avoid receiving bruises, lacerations or worse due to being struck by an object or equipment. PPE, or personal protective equipment, is imperative. Even when wearing proper gear, make sure to not work or walk under heavy machinery while it’s being operated.

Watch Where You Are Going

Yes, this is something we are taught from a young age. However, oftentimes we become hyper-focused on our to-do list and we can lose sight of where we are going or what we are doing. In some cases, that caution sign or stack of textbooks piled up by your desk becomes invisible. Falling can cause serious damage to your body. So please, watch out!

Take an Exercise Break

We know what you’re thinking. Who has time to exercise at work? Think of these breaks more as short intervals of activity simply designed to change up your routine. It is important to break up repetition in the workplace to avoid back, neck and shoulder injuries, such as sprained or torn ligaments. Taking a break to walk to the copy room, stretch or stand will help relieve stress on your back, neck, and shoulders.

Keep It Clean

Proper “housekeeping” can go a long way for injury prevention. A clean workspace is an easy way to prevent more serious health and safety hazards before they become a problem. Pick up and clean paper debris, clutter and spills before you take a spill yourself.

Do you suffer from back pain? Contact Call us today to schedule an appointment. (985) 590-5503