Back pain: a frequent and poorly treated problem.
of french people suffer from regular back pain
say that they only find partial relief from pain
no longer look for solutions and wait for the pain to pass on its own
The main causes and treatments for back problems.
Sedentary lifestyle and back problems:
Inactivity is the leading cause of back problems as it is directly linked to poor posture, lack of healthy movement and even obesity.
Today, office work requires many of us to spend long hours in a seated-or at least static-position. This is especially true for those of us who are required to work with a computer or another related device.
Not only that, but our personal habits also are becoming more and more sedentary. Our modern lifestyles have become very hectic, causing many people to give up on sports and exercise, both essential for proper bodily function.
Exercise and movement are vital for our muscles, as they are meant to be used. Not only has that, but physical exercise helps blood circulate, and reinforces practically all of the body’s functions, protecting the heart, diminishing stress and more.
Furthermore, people are spending more and more time in front of screens (TVs, computers, but also mobile phones). This seated position puts a lot of strain on the cervical spine, mainly due to the head’s positioning.
Back problems caused by work-related activity
Work-related back problems can occur either directly following an accident at work (trauma) or due to the repetition of strenuous tasks (repeated micro-traumas, prolonged stay in a certain position). Some examples include handling heavy equipment, performing assembly line tasks or even prolonged work in front of a computer.
Advice for work-related (occupational) back problems:
Without proper care, it’s likely that most individuals will encounter some form of back pain during the course of their lives. As a matter of fact, 80% of individuals suffer from recurrent back pain.
This is why prevention is the best way to avoid suffering from this condition.
Some ways to properly take care of your back include:
• Targeted physical exercise: to condition the body so that it’s prepared to perform in the employee’s specific work environment (sedentary office work, industrial work, etc…)
• Chiropractic care to minimize the harmful effects of work-induced physical stress
• Workspace ergonomics to properly adapt to the worker’s environment
• Practicing proper posture at work and following best practices for repetitive tasks.
Poor posture, micro-traumas, and traumas:
Poor posture:
Repeated poor posture results in unnatural use of the body, and in particular of the back. Poor posture can occur whether in a standing, seated, or reclined position (while sleeping for example). In the long run, poor posture often causes back pain and almost always has a detrimental effect on the body. For example, posture directly influences the body’s breathing capacity as well as stress levels.
Micro-traumas:
Micro-trauma in the back is often caused by inappropriate back movement. Every time you carry a load, or exercise without performing the movement correctly, you risk damaging your back. In addition, micro-traumas often occur without the individual being aware of it. As a matter of fact, only a third of each intervertebral disc has nerves, so you may be damaging your back without realizing it. In this case, pain is a poor criterion to measure the health of your back. Only regular functional examinations, followed by appropriate treatment can ensure optimal vertebral health.