Back Pain and Injuries – Causes and Prevention

During the 10th annual Health and Fitness Summit and Exposition at American College of Sports Medicine, Michael R. Bracko, Ed.D, FACSM discussed stress as one of the leading causes of increasing cases for back pain and injuries. However, with a proper fitness program and healthy lifestyle, one can prevent back injuries to a great extent.

During research, it has been observed that nearly 80% of the population in North America would have suffered from back injuries and pain at some point in time in their lives. In fact, a high percentage of the suggested population must have already suffered from Owasso chronic back pain in the last six months. People who are in their late 40s might face activity limitations which are again most frequently caused by back problems. Even though 80% of people recover from their back pain within 3-6 weeks of their injury, it has been analyzed that nearly $31 million is spent on aftercare and physiotherapies to prevent back pain in the future.

So how do stress trigger back pain and related injuries? This has always been one of the most interesting connections to explore. Apparently, it has been seen that stress manifests itself to cause muscle tension in the body. It makes us feel lazy and worried about threats that may or may not be real. When stress takes over our mind, there’s a huge chance that one may not be able to cope up with it easily that leads to more health complications, mainly physiological. Thus, increasing stress levels at home and at the office most often create back problems. Perhaps, managing stress and working in peace with it can help people keep back problems at bay. Let’s take a look at some causes and prevention of back pain.

Individual Risk Factors for Back Injuries and Pain

In addition to stress, there can be plenty of other reasons that can trigger back pain and injuries. Even rigorous workout, recreation activities and excess sleep can cause back problems. Let’s take a look at other factors that can contribute to the condition:

•         Lack of proper sleep/fatigue
•         Emotional instability
•         Family problems
•         Substance or drug abuse
•         Less physical activity
•         More physical activity
•         Improper muscle endurance
•         Excessive weight

Occupational Risk Causes And Prevention Of Back Pain

This should be obvious as there are plenty of occupations and activities that require an employee to put extra pressure on his back. Truck drivers, IT consultant, nurses, and security guards are some professions that can lead to a high rate of back injuries. Factors that contribute to this condition include:

•         Heavy physical job
•         Sitting and standing
•         Repetitive work
•         Fatigue/poor muscle endurance
•         Slipping, falling or tripping
•         Twisting while the spine is loaded
•         Vibration while driving
•         Lack of work satisfaction
•         Lack of motivation
•         Mental fatigue

In order to prevent occupational back injuries, one should sit in an ergonomically-sound chair with the knees, hips, ankles, and elbows placed at 90-100 degree approximately.