Focus On:  Back Pain

Back disorders are the most common work related injuries. 

Tackling back pain needs good management and a partnership approach. Human resource managers, supervisors, employees and 
occupational medicine staff all have roles to play in this approach. 

For Employers: you can do things to prevent or minimize back pain in the workplace such as referring your employee 
to a reputable occupational medicine clinic who has experience handling the injured worker. 
These prevention measures are cost effective. 
You will not be able to prevent all back pain, so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable 
rehabilitation is essential. 

For Employees: 
Tips for preventing back strain 
-Don't lift by bending over! Get close to the object and then bend your knees and grasp the object firmly. 
Lift straight up (don't twist) in one fluid motion. 
Always hold the object close to your body and move close to where you want to place the object.
Bend you knees when lowering the object and push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects. 

-If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch. 

-Bad Posture - slouched shoulders, head down, knees locked - places an enormous amount of stress on the spine. 
Good posture: Feet slightly apart, knees straight, chin slightly tucked in, and shoulders back keeps your body in 
balance and helps you to avoid stress on your back. 

-Exercise regularly. In fact, research shows that people who do not exercise regularly and are overweight are more 
likely to suffer from back injures and pain. 
To keep that from happening to you, get up and get moving. Find a way to put exercise into your daily activities. 

For Everyone: Let your employer know immediately if you hurt yourself. They can then help you to get appropriate treatments. 
For most people, a gradual return to regular activities and pain relievers such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or an 
anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen (Advil) are necessary.Ice for 20 minutes several times a day can also help. 

Occasionally physical therapy or chiropractic care is necessary. These treatments require a physician, physician 
assistant or nurse practitioner referral. 

Robert Nadratowski MS, PA-C