Companies want their employees to be in tip-top shape at all times. A healthy worker is a win-win situation where employees produce quality outputs for their company while avoiding unnecessary stress from their work. However, unaddressed issues like work-related back pain and back injuries may get in the way of holistic employee wellness. How can desk jobs cause so much strain on the back, and what can you do about it? The iSpace Office Interiors team is here to answer that question!
How Desk Jobs Contribute to Back Pain
The prominence of lower back pain among employees continues to increase steadily. More than 1 in 4 (26%) working adults have experienced relative to severe pain in their lower back. Factors include too much pressure on one’s spinal cord, lousy posture, and repetitive tasks over long periods.
Back pain may worsen over time until one day, you find yourself writhing in pain while doing an everyday office task. Among the most common conditions are:
- Herniated disc: When the soft disc between the vertebrae in the spine bulges, ruptures, or slips out of its covering. It hurts since it puts pressure on the spinal cord.
- Osteoarthritis: This “wear and tear” kind of arthritis can appear due to repeated motions that erode the cushioning cartilage in the spine’s joints.
- Sciatica: The sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back down the back of your leg, is compressed and causes pain. Typically, a bulging disc is to blame. Sciatica can also contribute to poor posture and uncomfortable sitting positions.
Back Pain’s Effect on Employee Productivity
Chronic back pain among employees is a major contributor to work-related stress. Between 6 and 10% of workers stopped working, changed jobs, or significantly changed their activities because of their low back pain. If left unaddressed, low back pain can affect a person’s sleep quality and ability to perform work tasks.
Ways to Prevent Back Pain and Injury
Avoid workplace injuries with early intervention before bad office habits worsen the pain. Assess the conditions at work and deal with anything that can make your back hurt. Back injuries and pain can be prevented by taking even small steps. Here are some steps employees can take for pain management and back pain prevention in the workplace.
Encourage Good Posture
Avoid poor posture and slouching. When standing, balance your weight evenly on your feet. For sitting, choose an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back to promote good posture. Your chair’s height should be adjusted so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat on the floor or a footrest. When sitting, take your phone or wallet out of your back pocket to relieve pressure on your buttocks and lower back.
Modify Repetitive Tasks
Use lifting equipment to assist you in lifting heavy loads. Strive to switch between physically demanding jobs and lighter ones. If you use a computer to work, check that your chair, keyboard, and mouse are all in the proper locations. Put your phone on speaker or use headphones if you frequently speak on the phone and type or write at the same time. Avoid bending, twisting, and reaching in unnecessary ways. Avoid carrying heavy bags, purses, or briefcases for too long.
Take Regular Breaks
Strenuous and repetitive movements take a toll on the body, so it needs regular periods of rest. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, change your position often. Make it a point to periodically walk around and gently stretch your muscles to relieve tension. Don’t wait for your body to start feeling worn before taking steps to care for it.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Early back pain prevention is a significant benefit of ergonomic office furniture. Professionals design these workstations, chairs, and keyboards to make working more pleasant for users. Ergonomic furniture can significantly reduce your workers’ back pain when they aren’t uncomfortable hunched over with poor posture. The use of ergonomic office equipment can realign the spine, lower the overall rate of workplace injuries, and even prevent arthritis.
Get Efficient and Comfortable Work Spaces with iSpace Office Interiors
Reduce the risk factors of back injury by consulting with iSpace Office Interiors. Gain greater productivity and quality of work by protecting your employees’ well-being. Empowering them with the highest quality work environment and office solutions. Prioritize your employees’ physical health by contacting us today for ergonomic furniture and an ergonomic analysis!
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