Over five million Americans experience a work-related injury each year, many resulting in back pain.
In fact, many companies hire a supervisor to manage risk or designate a specific employee to keep an eye out for safety hazards and, hopefully, reduce the risk of potential injuries.
The Chiropractors at AICA Marietta took a look at a few job professions and have a few recommendations for what can be done to reduce the possibility of experiencing an immediate or long-term injury.
Preventing Work-Related Injuries
The demands of the modern workplace can create a significant amount of stress for employees who work in office environments or particular professions that require physical labor.
Sitting For Long Periods at a Desk
Careers that require an employee to sit for long periods answering phones, typing on a keyboard and staring at a computer monitor create a tremendous amount of stress on the spine and neck.
What can employees who work in this type of environment do to protect themselves?
- Try to take a brief five to ten-minute walk every forty minutes
- Request an ergonomic keyboard from your office manager or immediate supervisor
- Use a privacy screen to prevent straining your neck when staring into your monitor
- Use lumbar support for your back
Professional Drivers or Public Transporation
Semi-truck drivers, delivery persons, and Uber representatives all experience a higher risk for back pain.
In order to prevent back pain from occurring, make sure that you:
- Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times
- Use a hands-free device when using a cell phone
- Make sure the driver’s seat is set properly and that you are using the most of the lumbar support
- Be sure to adjust and use your mirrors so that they allow you to see each one without straining your neck
Professions That Require Manual Labor
Any profession that requires lifting heavy objects, working for long periods outdoors or strenuous physical labor can lead to back pain.
In order to prevent this from happening, try to keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Lift up heavy objects using your leg muscles by bending down at your knees, relaxing, and bending the legs, not the torso
- Use a back brace or similar support resources in order to keep your back set in a fixed position
It is critical to maintain a safe workplace environment at all times.
The lighting in your work environment should be sufficient, safety signs should be positioned where they can be easily seen by all employees, and walkways should remain free of debris and clear.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
The Chiropractors at AICA Marietta specialize in making sure our patients’ necks remain in proper alignment.
A misalignment can easily happen as a result of a workplace injury.
Coming to see us if this does happen to you is a great place to start your path to recovery.
Our Chiropractors will locate and correct the source of your back pain and give you specific support that allows you to return to work as soon as possible.
You can schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at (770) 383-1435.