Is Work A Pain In The Back?

When we head to the office for another day of work, we often do not consider the pressure upon us. We’re not just talking about the deadlines or targets that we have to meet, but the physical pressures of the job. When you sit behind a desk for an extended period time, sitting upright can cause a lot of pressure in your spine that you may not consider. Working in a physical role sometimes isn’t much better, as lifting and carrying can cause stress to your back as a whole.

If you have persistent aches in your back, or stiffness, and you find yourself constantly having to stretch at your desk, it’s time to make a change. Your job is important, but your health comes first so don’t ignore the pain you are getting. Not getting enough breaks, not using ergonomic furniture and not paying attention to your posture are all things that can cause prolonged back pain. Before consulting a legal professional, you must ask yourself whether your job is what is causing your pain. There are many ways you can help your back at work, understanding the is important if you hope to heal. Manual labor isn’t the only cause, but once you understand how to help yourself, your work can be managed far easier!

1. Speak to your employer in the first instance. They have a responsibility to you to ensure you have the right office furniture. If you are working a desk job, you will likely be spending forty or more hours in front of a computer screen. Ergonomic workstations like this can go a long way to ensuring that you are comfortable sitting for long periods. It’s not just about the chair you use, but using a footstool under the desk to balance your hips and pelvis should be a priority.
2. Make sure you schedule regular breaks, even in the office. You don’t have to be a smoker to get up from your desk and walk around. Every 90 minutes or so, get up, stretch and walk to the toilet or the water fountain and get yourself a refreshment. This can stop your spine from having too much pressure on it for too long, and you can feel your lower back start to relax.
3. When you face a computer and type for a living, repetitive strain injury is a very real possibility. Ensuring that you actually take regular breaks as we mentioned earlier can prevent this and you should ensure your computer station is set up to keep your shoulders back and arms relaxed.

When you feel like your work is impacting your health, you must speak up. Your spinal health is just as important as your general health and you should be doing everything you can to keep your back as healthy as possible. Your employer should work with you as much as possible to ensure your comfort in the office. After all, you are working on their behalf and they should work on yours just as much.