Did you know?
If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you should consult a spine specialist:- Has your low back pain extended down your leg?
- Does your leg pain increase if you lift your knee to your chest or bend over?
- Have you had severe back pain following a recent fall?
- Have you had significant back pain lasting for more than 3 weeks?
- Have you had back pain that becomes worse when you rest, or wakes you up at night?
- Do you have persistent bladder or bowel problems?
Health Facts
Back pain is often caused by obesity
Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of various diseases. However, did you know that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
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Questions and Answers: How to Have a Healthy Back at Work
Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some time. But there are some things you can do to help prevent low back pain. And they can prepare you for faster recovery if you do have low back pain. Some of them also have added health benefits. Here are some things to think about:
How to Have a Healthy Back at Work
| Q: | How can my desk job cause back problems? |
| A: | One of the common myths about back problems is that only those who do physical labor are at high risk. Actually, those who lead a sedentary life-style are at equal risk. Office workers who sit for long periods of time put stress on their backs. However, with a few simple modifications of the work space, a lot of back problems can be avoided. |
Q: |
Does my chair play a role in reducing back problems? |
| A: | Yes. Many office chairs are not of the correct height - they are either too low or too tall; also, many don't have proper back support. Outside of an adjustable chair that has good back support, a simple straight-back chair is best. |
Q: |
How important is proper back support? |
| A: | Having adequate back support while performing sedentary work for long periods of time is crucial to a healthy back. Most back problems occur in the area of strong inward curve in the small of the back just above the pelvis. Pain usually develops when the curve is lost from long periods of sitting. A lumbar support is key to preserving this curve. A lumbar support pillow or roll can be purchased relatively inexpensively at a medical supply store. Or make one by simply rolling up a towel firmly to a size that suits you. Make sure it is positioned so that it rests at the curve of your lower back. If possible, secure it to your chair with a rubber band or string. |
Q: |
What about my desk? Does it have to be a certain height? |
| A: | Your desk or table should not be so low as to make you hunch over, nor so high as to make you sit with raised elbows. Since it is more difficult to change desk height, it is best to change your chair height. If your chair cannot be adjusted to the proper height to allow you to use your desk comfortably, you may have to sit on a telephone book or a firm pillow or two. |
Q: |
Do I have to use a foot support at work? |
| A: | It is best to have your knees raised above your hips to relieve pressure on your lower back. At your desk, use a moveable foot support so it can slide around as you shift weight. A telephone book or two can be used instead if necessary. |
Q: |
What about the desk top? |
| A: | Arrange all the desk top items you use constantly in a comfortable manner. The purpose here is to position items on your desk to avoid continual twisting and reaching movements. Use a slanted loose-leaf notebook for writing. Make sure your computer monitor and reading stand are at a height that keeps your head up. You should be able to hold your head higher and spine straighter to avoid the strain of constantly bending over. Make use of the speaker phone rather than cradling the receiver between shoulder and neck; a headset is even better. |
Q: |
What else should I do at work to prevent back problems? |
| A: | Remember to get up from your desk at least once every hour
and stretch. A few simple exercises could help offset the effects
of the fixed posture we adopt during the day. These exercises
will help straighten your spine, relax neck muscles, and relieve
tension.
|
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Latest news
Visit our media library for access to all of our news videos.
The Spine Institute is often in the news pioneering new treatments to help the reported 34 million Americans 18 years and older who suffer lower back pain, and another 9 million who suffer neck pain. Watch the news coverage here.
Dr. Hyun Bae is the first U.S. surgeon to test a new synthetic gel called the NuCore injectable nucleus. It's injected directly into the natural cushion of the disc.