No matter if it's sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing, back pain can most definitely affect your productivity at work in a negative way. The bad news is that many of today's professions can actually put you at high risk of developing back pain. What you need to do in order to free yourself of this common dilemma is to gain a deeper understanding of the common causes of back pain and how you can best deal with it.
There are several factors that contribute to back pain at work. Among the most common are force, repetition, posture, and stress. When you exert too much force using your back muscles, such as when you lift or move heavy objects, you place yourself at risk of injuring your back. And if your work involves repetitive movement such as typing on a keyboard all day, you may suffer from muscle fatigue. This is especially true if what you are doing involves using some awkward body positioning. Slouching when seated on your office chair or tilting your head when working on a computer can also lead to muscle fatigue because it throws your spine into an unnatural curve. Finally, too much pressure at work can lead to muscle tension, which is a very common cause of back pain.
The good news is that there are very simple ways by which you can deal with these common back pain causes and prevent back pain from further disrupting your life. If you have to lift anything, be sure to do so by bending your knees and using the strength of your legs. Hold the object close and be sure to keep your back in its proper alignment. Think of ways in which you can modify repetitive tasks at work that may cause back pain. For example, if your work involves constantly talking on the phone, then you may want to try using a headset. If you have to work on the computer all day, then make sure that the monitor is at eye level and that your computer chair provides the necessary back support.
If you seriously want to get rid of back pain, then you'll have to start paying attention to your posture as well. If you have to stand for a long period, be sure to rest one foot on a stool from time to time. If you have to remain seated for an extended period, make sure that you get adequate support either from an ergonomic chair or a back support cushion. If you work at the computer or have to read documents all day, be sure to position the monitor or hold the reading material at eye level. Never tilt your head in an uncomfortable position or slouch in your chair.
Deal with stress by trying out a relaxation technique or coping mechanism. You may want to try deep-breathing exercises or take a daily pre-dinner walk around the block. Anything that helps you de-stress will surely help you get rid of back pain as well.