Back to Work Tips: Don’t Allow Back Pain to Impact your Job

A new national survey of lower back pain sufferers developed by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) and Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, manufacturers of the Intradiscal ELECTROTHERMAL ™ Therapy (IDET ™ ) procedure, found that one-third said their pain severely or substantially limited their work productivity. In fact, many adults report that not only is work productivity limited, but their attendance suffers, too. The survey also shows that respondents reported missing slightly over one day of work per week, or more than two months in a year due to their back pain condition.

Missing work has severe implications for both employers and employees, but the good news is there are steps you can take in the workplace to minimize or reduce lower back pain. Here, Dr. David Kloth, president of ASIPP and medical director and interventional pain management specialist of Connecticut Pain Care in Danbury, Conn. , provides five easy tips for keeping pain at bay. For additional tips and more information about lower back pain and treatment options, visit www.idetprocedure.com:

1) Support your back: Check to see if your chair is providing enough low back support. Use a cushion to prevent you from slouching or slumping, two things that can place extra stress on the lumbar discs in the lower back.

2) Height matters: Make sure the height of your chair is proportionate to your own height. If your feet don’t rest flat on the ground, try using a foot rest.

3) Move around: Change positions in your chair frequently, as prolonged, static posture can contribute to lower back pain. Walk around the office a couple of times an hour. If you’re not able to leave your desk, stand and stretch for a few minutes.

4) Stay in shape: Exercise and remain active when you’re not at the office. If you have a strong back and stomach muscles, you are less likely to experience lower back pain.

5) Use proper form when lifting: If you must lift a heavy object, lift with your knees. Pull in your stomach muscles and keep your back straight. Keeping the object close to your body when lifting can also prevent strain and injury.

Remember, it’s always important to visit a physician if your back pain persists, appears suddenly, or worsens over time.