A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control revealed that there is a relationship between having low back disorder and doing these five physical workplace tasks:
- Doing heavy physical work
- Frequently lifting and performing forceful movements
- Bending and twisting twisting the spine in awkward postures
- Subjecting the body to vibrations
- staying in static work postures
The studies conducted showed that there is a link between developing a back problem when doing heavy physical work, with moderate risk estimate for lifting, bending and body vibrations. When it comes to low back disorders, doing work-related lifting and forceful movements was greatly associated. Results were constant in proving this relationship. Further biomechanics and laboratory studies also proved the adverse effect of lifting and dynamic motion on out back tissues.
There is also strong evidence of an association between exposure to body vibrations and low-back disorder. In the study, the group that was highly exposed to such measures showed greater exposure response to low back disorders. Body vibrations, along with other work-related factors such as prolonged sitting, lifting and awkward postures has been shown to increase risk of back pain. The type of vehicle is also a factor for such pain exposure.
In summary, it is safe to assume that doing taxing physical work can have adverse effects in our back. This includes lifting, forceful movements, bending and twisting in awkward positions, whole body vibrations (such as driving heavy trucks that vibrate), and static work pressures (such as sitting at a desk all day). If you’re experiencing work-related back pain, make sure to visit the Spine Center of Texas to be diagnosed and receive appropriate treatment, medications, and physical therapy to relieve pain.
