Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Performing physical or repetitive tasks 40 hours a week or more at your job can be hard on your body and your spine. Certain industries have a much higher likelihood of back injuries, and we wanted to take a closer look at which employees were at a greater risk for back pain. You may be surprised to see some professions on this list that you may not associate with back pain and physical strain. Below, we take a closer look at five careers that are harder on your spine than normal.

Careers That Are Tough On Your Spine

Here’s a look at five careers that can be really tough on a person’s spine.

1. Construction – Working construction is a physically demanding job that regularly sees people lift heavy objects, maneuver heavy machinery and put a lot of strain on their spine. Even when proper form and protective equipment is used, repetitive strain injuries can develop. Construction is also a very common industry in Minnesota, with thousands of construction workers seeking care for back pain and related injuries every single year.
2. Nursing – You may have assumed that there would be five very physically demanding jobs on this list, which could lead to you being surprised that nursing cracked the top five, but any nurse will tell you that healthcare is a very physically demanding industry. Most nurses and healthcare workers are on their feet for the vast majority of their shift, and oftentimes they are bending, lifting and transferring patients to and from bed, which can take a heavy toll on their spine.
3. Truck Drivers – On the surface, driving a truck hardly seems like a very physical job, but as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, your spine handles a lot of stress when it’s forced to remain in the same position for an extended period. Needless to say, truck drivers have to keep their spines in the same position, oftentimes in a seat that’s not the most comfortable. If their posture slips, their cervical or lumbar spine will have to handle an even greater load, and that can lead to spinal degeneration and other back problems.
4. Assembly Workers – While we’re using assembly workers as the example here, any type of worker that is forced to perform the same task day in and day out could fit under this category. Assembly line workers are oftentimes hunched over a machine, performing the same actions over and over, and this repetitive strain will take its toll on your back and your joints. If you work on an assembly line or sit at a desk and type all day, strive for good posture and work to strengthen your spine when you’re not on the clock.
5. Gardeners And Landscapers – One final profession that is prone to back injuries is landscapers. Whether it’s digging holes, moving mulch or planting vegetation, gardeners and landscapers put their back through a lot of strain day in and day out. Again, proper lifting techniques and posture awareness are imperative if you’ve taken to a career as a landscaper.

If you work in one of these fields, or if you’re subjected to other stresses on the job and you want to talk to a professional to get your back pain under control, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today.

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