The spine is forced to withstand a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis, including bending, compressing, twisting, and extending. Because of this, spine injuries are quite common. Back injuries can also be some of the most difficult to heal and take care of.
While back pain can arise for a variety of reasons, there are a few specific movements that are more likely to cause injury. There are also some career options that can make you more prone to spinal damage, and here are 10 careers that can carry the highest risk of injury.
1. Construction Workers
Construction workers are required to perform a number of physically demanding tasks, many of them for multiple hours at a time. Performing repetitive motions can wear down muscles and lead to overuse injuries or muscle compensations. Construction workers are also at risk of falling, which can commonly cause back injuries.
It is always important to maintain proper posture in every task you are performing. This can limit muscle strains and back problems. If you are at risk of falling, be sure to be harnessed in to prevent serious injury from occurring.
2. Landscapers and Garden Workers
Landscaping is hard work, and it often requires you to be bent over, sitting or kneeling on the ground, or reaching above your head. All of these positions can be rough on the body and especially the spine. Try to take breaks or vary your movements when possible to prevent back pain and overuse injuries.
3. Plumbers and Electricians
These two professions are critical to keeping any home or business in working order, but they often place workers in tight spaces, requiring awkward movements and body positioning. This can be taxing on the spine and lead to strains or joint problems.
Try to position your body in a comfortable, stable position whenever possible. If you must place yourself in an awkward position, try to switch positions often to prevent unnecessary injury.
4. Nurses
Being a nurse can be very demanding on the body. Shifts are long and require you to be on your feet for hours at a time. Nurses are also required to lift and move patients and are bent over for many of the tasks they perform.
Be sure to use proper lifting techniques and ask for assistance whenever it is needed. Also, try to take breaks if possible and maintain good posture throughout the day.
5. Warehouse Workers
Working in a warehouse is a physically demanding job. This type of work often involves pulling, pushing, and lifting heavy and awkward loads. These repetitive motions can wear down your body, leaving your muscles tired and your joints susceptible to injury.
Be sure to practice good lifting techniques by keeping your back straight and lifting with your legs. You should also not hesitate to ask for help if an object is too heavy for you to lift on your own. Wearing proper gloves can also help to improve your grip.
6. Janitors
Janitors are required to perform a variety of different tasks, including sweeping, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, picking up trash, and more. All of these tasks require different movements, and over time they can wear down the spine and cause back pain.
It is important to have good body alignment when performing these tasks and to break them up so that you aren’t stuck in the same position for long periods of time.
7. Factory Workers
If you work in a factory, you are forced to spend hours completing the same movements and tasks over and over. This repetitiveness can result in muscle fatigue and weakness throughout the body. These issues can cause compensations and place unnecessary strain on your back.
A spinal injury can arise from poor posture, shoulder straining, and other reasons. When possible, try to vary your movements or focus on maintain correct posture throughout the day.
8. Office Workers
If you sit at a desk for 40 hours a week, you are highly likely to suffer from neck or back pain. It is important to maintain proper posture, sitting upright with your shoulders back and your head in a neutral position to avoid potential issues.
9. Auto Mechanics
Mechanics are forced into a variety of positions each and every day. Working your way under a car, reaching up and around various parts, and torquing your body to fix certain issues can be very stressful on the body due to the bending, twisting, and arching of the back.
One of the best ways to prevent back injury is to limit awkward positions as much as possible and to try to keep your body as close as possible to the part of the car you’re working on. By doing this, you can maximize spinal stability and limit the possibility of muscle or joint strains.
10. Drivers
If you drive long distances for your job, you are forced to be sitting for long periods of time for multiple days in a row each week. Sitting can place your entire spine in a poor position, leading to joint disorders and poor posture. Truckers are also often required to load or unload their trucks, which can be tough on the body.
Try to take regular breaks when driving and focus on maintaining proper posture during long hauls. Also, make sure to use proper lifting techniques when loading or unloading the truck to prevent injury.
If you don’t protect your back and end up injuring your spine, it can lead to chronic problems and long-term use of pharmaceuticals, which can cause a variety of health issues in itself. Pharmaceuticals are prescription medications that can serve a variety of purposes, including reducing pain. But, using these medications on a long-term basis can lead to addiction, increased pain sensitivity, and more. Due to these potential problems, if you do suffer from back pain, finding a high quality and effective solution to back pain is critical.