Back Pain Affects 1 In 10 Individuals Around The World
A new study found that one in 10 people worldwide suffer from back pain.
For many Americans, completing their job duties require them to sit for extended periods of time in the same location. As our reliance on computers has grown, the need for workers who perform their duties while sitting in front of a computer screen has also risen. Many employees spend their days typing on a computer or taking phone calls while seated at a desk.
Although most people associate work-related injuries with highly physical jobs – such as construction work – it turns out that office jobs result in many life-changing injuries as well.
According to a recent study, 1 out of 10 people around the world experience lower back pain. The researchers based their conclusions on the examination of information compiled in over 115 studies, completed in 47 countries across the globe. They found that not only are a large number of people suffering from back pain, but it is also the type of disability most responsible for “years lost due to disability.” This statistic includes both the years an individual lived with a disability and years lost due to an individual dying prematurely.
Take Steps To Eliminate Your Back Pain
When someone develops lower back pain due to consistently sitting at work, he or she can take some action to try to alleviate the pain.
First, workers should consider asking their employer for an ergonomic assessment, to determine whether the office environment could be improved. In some cases, simply finding a more supportive desk/chair can help eliminate some of the problem. For workers who spend a significant amount of time on the phone, a headset should be provided. For those who work primarily on a computer, experts should determine whether the monitor, mouse and keyboard are positioned properly.
In addition, workers should make efforts to get up and move around frequently throughout the day. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, adults should try to get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
If you suffer from back pain and making adjustments to your working environment has not solved the problem, you should see a medical professional. In some cases, individuals may require pain medication to treat the injury. In the worst cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you suffer from back pain and believe it was caused by your job, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In such cases, you should consult with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your interests are protected.
Keywords: back pain, work injury
