Four ways that you could develop a back injury at work and how physical therapy can help you recover

Back Injury at Work

Is your back killing you? Are you wondering if you injured your back while at work? It doesn’t matter if you have a desk job or a job that requires high energy and for you to be on your feet all day, back injuries can happen. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found in 2016 that “musculoskeletal disorders involving the back accounted for 38.5 percent of all work-related musculoskeletal disorders (134,550 back cases out of 349,050 total cases).” If you’re suffering from back pain, physical therapy can help you find relief. 

How did you injure your back at work? 

There are a lot of ways you could injure your back at work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries are among the most common work-related injuries. Here are four common ways people hurt their back while on the job: 

  • How is your posture? If you can’t say you have good posture, that’s probably one source of your back pain. Poor posture can increase the strain on your back, causing you to have tight muscles and pain.
  • Is your workplace set up to be ergonomic? If not, that’s one change you should make right away. Set up your workspace to be as ergonomic as possible, which will reduce your discomfort level. You’ll probably want to check your chair and your desk height. 
  • Do you lift heavy items? If the answer is yes, make sure you’re lifting correctly. Don’t lift from your back — make sure you’re lifting from your knees and that you’re using the proper equipment.
  • Are you physically fit? Studies have shown that people who hold weight in their bellies are more prone to back pain. Making small, simple changes each day can help. Try adding in a short, 15-minute walk to break up the day. Walking can help loosen your hip and back muscles, lessening your discomfort. 

Did you injure your back while working? At SSOR, our physical therapists can work with you to help you find relief from your pain and improve your overall well-being. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.