A lot of people in the US struggle with back pain. Many of those people develop that back pain due to strain from their job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries make up 20% of all workplace injuries and illnesses. Some jobs take a bigger toll on the body than others. Below is a summary of the top 10 jobs that cause back pain.
1. Drivers
This is surprising to some but driving positions are the top jobs that cause back pain. Long-haul truck drivers, delivery drivers, chauffeurs, taxi drivers, and contractors for ridesharing services are at risk of developing back problems from sitting in the same position for long periods of time.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Set up your driver’s seat correctly
- Adjust the seat to a 100-degree angle to avoid slouching.
- Sit close enough to the steering wheel so that your elbows and knees are slightly bent
- Use a support for your lower back
2. Construction Workers
Construction workers spend their workdays climbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling. They may also need to be in certain positions for long periods of time. Using tools with repetitive motions can also cause injury and pain.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Ask for help lifting heavy objects that are over 50 pounds.
- Use a cart
- Use a forklift
- Wear gloves to improve your grip.
- Wear supportive shoes
- Ask your doctor about wearing a back brace
3. Nurses & Healthcare Providers
Nurses and certain other healthcare providers are on their feet for a large portion of their workday. They may also have to move patients and equipment. Performing some procedures may also require an awkward posture.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Do spine stretches during breaks
- Shoulder rolls
- Neck bends
- Hamstring stretches
- Wear supportive shoes
4. Office Workers
Office work is not physical in nature. And that’s the reason that office jobs are among the top jobs that cause back pain. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can harm your spine. Sitting at a computer all day can lead to bad posture, which negatively affects your spine health in the long term.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Take breaks to check your posture. Make sure your spine is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.
- Get up every hour to walk around and stretch
- Adjust your posture and position throughout the day
- Consider a standing desk
5. Manual Laborers
Manual labor is a category that encompasses a lot of different jobs that are primarily physical in nature. These workers spend days performing repetitive tasks, lifting heavy loads, bending, and twisting.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Ask for help lifting heavy objects that are over 50 pounds
- Wear gloves to improve your grip.
- Wear supportive shoes
- Ask your doctor about wearing a back brace
6. Dentists & Dental Hygienists
Dental professionals have to hold the same position for long periods of time to provide treatment to patients. The job may also involve twisting and bending the upper back. Along with back pain, dental practitioners experience neck and shoulder discomfort.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Do spine stretches during breaks
- Shoulder rolls
- Neck bends
- Hamstring stretches
- Use magnification and good lighting to bring your field of vision closer.
7. Warehouse & Distribution Workers
People working in warehouses and distribution centers have physically demanding jobs. They are on their feet a lot and spend most of the day lifting, pushing, and pulling merchandise or equipment.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Test an item’s weight before lifting it. If it’s too heavy follow the next tip.
- Ask for help lifting heavy objects that are over 50 pounds.
- Use a cart
- Use a forklift
- Wear gloves to improve your grip.
- Wear supportive shoes
- Ask your doctor about wearing a back brace
8. Auto Mechanics
Mechanics have to bend and twist into a number of awkward positions in order to access different parts of vehicles. This can lead to strains and other injuries that cause pain.
Pain Prevention Tip
- When working on a car, get as close as you can to the part you are working on.
9. Factory Workers
Positions in factories are common jobs that cause back pain. Factory employees often perform the task all day. Repetitive motions cause fatigue and muscle weakness.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Take breaks to check your posture. Make sure your spine is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.
- Vary tasks if possible to avoid fatiguing certain muscles
10. Baby Care
Motherhood can be tough on your entire body, including your back. Pregnancy often causes backaches and lifting a child all day can also cause pain or injury.
Pain Prevention Tips
- Reconsider how you are carrying things. Try a backpack style bag instead of an over-the-shoulder bag.
- Try an ergonomic baby carrier
Treating Work-Related Spinal Conditions
If you develop a job-related spinal condition like spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or spondylosis, you should see a specialist about treatment. Dr. Nael Shanti of Cary Orthopaedics Spine Center specializes in treating spinal conditions with expertise in minimally invasive surgery. He has years of experience helping patients with conditions like spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and disc herniation. To make an appointment with Dr. Shanti, call (919) 297-0000.