Spinal Health at Work: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Back pain is among the most prevalent work-related injuries. Routine tasks like sitting at a desk or heavy lifting frequently cause or aggravate spinal issues. When we develop good spinal health, we strengthen the mind-body connection. The use of ergonomics – the study of the workplace as it interacts with the individual – can help in the prevention of back pain and damage. A high-quality ergonomic workspace is crucial for the spine health of your employees.  With the right equipment, back discomfort does not have to be a significant problem at work.

Causes of Poor Spine Health

Spinal pain is frequently exacerbated by improper postural control while working at a desk. Slouching in an office chair, prolonged activity, repeated motions, and exhaustion all play a role in these injuries. Non-accidental injury happens when pain occurs as a result of everyday activities and work requirements. This can happen by sitting in an office chair or standing in one position for too long. Accidental injury occurs when an unforeseen incident causes injury while doing a task. A weight that slides or shifts while being handled, as well as a fall, are common examples. These collisions can shock the shoulders, spine, and other joints, causing muscle strain or tearing muscles. Workplace ergonomics can significantly decrease the risk of chronic injuries, such as a stiff neck, lumbar discomfort, and leg pain. Physically demanding jobs that require repetitive lifting are at the highest risk of both types of spinal injuries.

Effects of Poor Spine Health

A properly aligned spine’s three main curves form an ‘S’ shape. Poor posture can lead these natural curves to shift shape over time, exerting too much pressure in the incorrect place. A person’s posture can trigger issues such as the neck, back and shoulder pain. This could result in a person experiencing discomfort when sitting for long periods or walking. It may result in higher rates of absenteeism because people are unable to come to work and require time off due to the intensity of their discomfort. People who suffer from chronic back pain and poor spine health may become sad and unmotivated in their employment. This means they will be less productive and will use more sick days.

When you maintain poor posture, you may develop several stress points in your spine and surrounding muscles and tissues. These pressures may build and gradually weaken the damaged structure. Our spines are designed to absorb shock, but poor posture can gradually break down this natural ability, placing your body at risk for even more significant injury further down the road

How to Improve Poor Spinal Health

Purchase a comfortable and ergonomic chair

If you spend long periods of time at your desk, it’s critical that you purchase a chair that fits you properly and supports your back.
Look for a chair with lumbar support, the ability to recline, and that isn’t too high  – your feet should be able to rest easily on the floor
When you sit, your back should be against the back of the chair and there should be enough space between the seat edge and the back of your legs to allow for adequate blood flow.

Regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is one of the most critical strategies to keep your spine in good condition and maintain your general health. You must relieve the strain on your spine. On a regular basis, stand up, stretch, exercise your joints, and get your blood pumping. Every 30 minutes, take a small break. Another alternative is to get a sit-to-stand desk, which allows you to occasionally get out of your chair and stand whilst also working. Developing  Daily sit-to-stand habits helps our bodies protect the muscles they require throughout the day. They also help increase the mix of natural chemicals created by movement, which promotes happier emotions while providing sufficient oxygen supply to keep the mind processing complex tasks.

Monitor your posture

Mastering upright ergonomic postures can boost our strength and help tough and complex jobs feel effortless. Allowing poor postures in which the front of the body coils in on itself lowers the capacity of oxygen to flow to the lungs, which are compressed in these postures. Thus, loosening up the body can help in our ability to focus and operate our brainpower properly. Good posture and correct sitting are interconnected. Sit upright with your back on the back of the chair and your feet flat on the floor to avoid back pain. Avoid crossing your legs rotates your pelvis because it causes back discomfort and spinal misalignment.