If you suffer from back pain at work, you know all too well that the discomfort it causes can be hard to shake. Whether you stand on the job or sit most of the time, if you experience an injury to your back or spine, the pain that results can interfere with your day. But sometimes just knowing the facts can help you to take control of your situation. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of back and spine health and ensure you are taking all of the right steps on the job to help prevent injuries.
1. True or False: If you experience a back-related injury at work, you can assume that once it heals, it will completely go away.
The answer is false. As many as 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain, and while the symptoms may get resolved initially, more than half of the first-time sufferers will have these symptoms return within a year, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. But these statistics certainly don’t mean that you have to sit back and be a victim. In fact, you can minimize your risk of reoccurrence with some easy on-the-job steps, including paying attention to your posture when sitting—and standing to ensure that your spine is aligned correctly to minimize strain. Further, if you must lift anything heavy at work, always bend your knees and keep your back straight, making sure to keep the object close to your body.
2. True or False: The shoes you choose to wear to work can actually be causing your back pain.
The answer is true. Believe it or not, your shoes can actually be an important factor in the overall health of your spine and back. This is because your feet are really the foundation that supports the rest of your body, so if your shoes are throwing off your alignment, you could be putting unnecessary stress on your lower back. That’s why the experts recommend putting your high heels away for a special occasion and sticking with practical shoes for your daily wear. While you may be reluctant to stow your favorite, but impractical, shoes, you’ll be glad to know that some of the more practical options are beautiful, too. In fact, today you can find a wide variety of stylish track shoes, low-heels, and other options. They’re rigid enough to provide adequate support but also come in fashion colors, metallic finishes, and have special detailing to ensure that you’ll not only feel well wearing them but will look great, too.
3. True or False: Your risk of back pain or injury on the job remains the same, regardless of your age.
The answer is false. While the risk of a back injury exists for people of all ages who don’t sit or move around properly, you become even more vulnerable to this possibility as you age. This is because your body’s elasticity and muscle tone decrease with time, making you more susceptible to getting hurt. In addition, if you are overweight, this can put more stress on your back and spine. The good news is that you can take control of your back health at any age. Getting regular exercise helps to keep your body flexible and maintain important muscle tone. In addition, eating well plays an essential role, since when you provide the right fuel for your body, you will feel your very best from head to toe. Finally, the daily stress you feel in your workplace as well as at home can make your muscles tense. To counteract this, the experts recommend incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as yoga or meditation into your routine on a regular basis. Of course, when you do experience an injury that won’t go away, you should always see your doctor to have your condition assessed and to get an individualized plan that will help you to manage, treat, and prevent back injuries and pain on the job in the most effective way.
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