The exertions we put into our daily work can unknowingly result in the back pain we feel at the end of a long day. These every day habits can add up and result in chronic pains or injuries over an extended period of time. Some professions are more at risk than others, and in this post, we look at 7 jobs that put their employees at a greater chance of developing back pain.
1. Porters
Porters have physically demanding jobs that require them to spend a large portion of the day lifting and pushing heavy loads. Dealing with these heavy items puts them at risk of injuring their spine. An important reminder would be to know when to ask for help or use a forklift.
2. Drivers
Spine Universe claims that driving is the most harmful profession for your back and neck. Drivers have to sit for prolonged periods of time, sometimes without breaks. This is detrimental to the lower back, especially for people who slouch. The risk doesn’t just apply to long-haul drivers, but also to chauffeurs and public transportation drivers as well. What’s worse is that more people are now becoming professional drivers with the rise of ride-hailing applications like Uber and Lyft, without considering the risk of developing back pain.
3. Nurses
Nurses are up and about for long shifts at a time. They’re often wheeling patients around and moving heavy medical equipment. The problem is more widespread than many would think, with one study finding that 58.1% of participating nurses suffer from back pain. The good news for the public is that despite the long hours and the potential risk of back pain, the number of people becoming nurses is increasing. According to Maryville University’s industry outlook for nursing professionals, job openings for nurses are expected to rise by 15% until 2026 — a statistic that is twice that of most other careers. This is likely in response to the growing need for nursing professionals in the next few years, as the numbers of elderly and chronically ill individuals are expected to rise dramatically by 2025. The question that needs to be answered though is whether enough is being done to take care of those who take care of us.
4. Police Officers
Police officers are often sat in their police cars for long periods of time. When they do walk around, they often have to wear heavy equipment such as body vests. They can also make sudden movements that are met with physical resistance. All of this can contribute to chronic back pain over a period of time.
5. Office Workers
Here on Dr Shoshany we have an article on how sitting is slowly becoming a new health epidemic in the U.S. With an increasing number of jobs that require us to hunker down and work at our desks, sitting for prolonged periods is unavoidable. If you’re one of these “desk jockeys”, it’s important to stand up to stretch or take short walks every once in a while.
6. Dentists
Dentists are required to keep the same seated position while doing long procedures. Oftentimes, their procedures require them to stoop down or bend their necks. A study showed that there was a 70% incidence of back pain among dentists. These pains can be eased with the right lighting, posture and seats.
7. Car Mechanics
Working on a car requires a lot of bending and twisting. Mechanics are prone to back pain because of the positions they get into when fixing a car and also lifting heavy equipment. An important reminder for any mechanics reading would be to ask for help if you need someone to spot you when you’re in a difficult position.
If you know your profession puts you at risk of back pain, try to make small changes in your daily routine to help improve your posture. Being aware of these habits will help you navigate through your day-to-day activities and prevent further risk of injury.
(for drshoshany.com By Ayla Scarlett)
