Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives, no matter how careful and healthy they are. Intermittent or occasional back pain isn’t the same thing as chronic back pain, however. Chronic back pain refers to any type of back pain that lasts for more than three months. Thankfully, there are things you can do to improve your symptoms and lessen chronic back pain. A great first step is determining what is causing your pain:
Exploring the Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it is important to pin point what’s causing yours in order to help relieve the pain you feel. You are at an increased risk of chronic back pain if you smoke, do repetitive tasks like lifting heavy objects, spend prolonged periods of time on your feet or sitting at a desk, or are exposed to heavy vibration from construction equipment, vehicles, or industrial machinery. You can also develop chronic lower back pain if you participate in sports like cross-country skiing. Certain health conditions, like osteoarthritis, compression fractures, and spondylitis, can also cause chronic back pain. Your doctor can take x-rays and run other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your back pain.
How Poor Posture Affects Your Back
Poor posture is one of the leading causes of chronic back pain. Spending hours sitting at a desk or in front of a computer takes a huge toll on the lumbar spine and back muscles. Therefore, you’re much more likely to develop chronic back pain if you have poor posture at your desk than if you maintain proper posture. In order to maintain your posture, we recommend using an adjustable, ergonomic chair that can be set to match your needs. In addition, a sit-stand desk can help by allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing while working, so that you take pressure off your lumbar spine for periods of time.
Solutions for Chronic Back Pain
Maintaining proper posture and using workplace ergonomics can prevent and alleviate lower back pain. When seated at your desk, keep your feet flat on the ground with your thighs tilted slightly backwards. Your lower back should be against the back of your chair. Keep your shoulders level, and your head straight over your shoulders. The center of your computer screen should be at eye level. Use a sit-stand desk or get up and walk around every hour to stretch your muscles and relieve pressure from your lower back.
Relieve Chronic Back Pain With Ergonomics
Ergonomic office equipment, like sit-stand desks and adjustable chairs, can significantly improve your back pain. At HealthPostures, we offer a huge selection of quality, durable sit-stand and ergonomic products for employers and employees across industries. To further explore our products, just call us today at (800) 277-1841 or find a dealer online.
