1 in 4 American Workers Has Chronic Back Pain
Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
More than a quarter of the American workforce suffers from chronic low back pain, according to a new study.
According to the study by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, nearly 40 million American workers suffer from regular flareups of chronic back pain. Here’s a closer look at the survey findings, which involved nearly 20,000 adults:
- Workers with back pain were most likely to be between the ages of 45 and 64.
- Obesity was also a factor in the onset of chronic low back pain.
- The industries with the most workers reporting chronic low back pain were construction, building maintenance and grounds cleaning.
- Other factors that contributed to chronic low back pain were jobs that required lifting, pulling or frequent standing.
- 26 percent of Americans said their back pain either affected their ability to work or was caused by the work they perform.
Treating Work-Related or Work-Affecting Back Pain
Since back pain is such a common problem in the workforce, employees should consider bringing up their concerns to their employers, said study lead author Dr. Sara Luckhaupt. Not only can it help prevent time lost to back pain, but it can also help employers keep costs down in the form of reduced workers’ compensation payments.
“Workers with back pain should talk with their employers to see if there are things that they can do to make the work healthier,” said Dr. Luckhaupt.
Working with your employer to implement safe practices and better protect employee spines is a great start, but you also have to work to protect your back when you’re off the clock. Strength training, exercise, eating a healthy diet, having posture awareness and maintaining a healthy body weight are all ways to take pressure of your spine and strengthen it so it can better handle stress throughout the day. You have to have healthy habits each and every day if your spine is going to hold up throughout the work hours, so be smart about your daily habits, and if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office for answers.
The sooner you confront a spine problem, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment. Don’t assume back pain is normal or that it will go away on its own, because without active treatment, it can very easily get worse. For more information or to get a diagnosis and begin treating your back pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
