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Contents
Can I be off work with back pain?
Dealing with back pain
Sometimes the pain can make you miserable but you should still take control of the pain. In the early stages: avoid bed rest – prolonged bed rest is harmful. stay active (including work) – your back is designed for movement so the sooner you start doing your ordinary activities the better.
What can back pain be a sign off?
A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain). Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain. Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.
How long can back pain keep you out of work?
Most people recover from back pain and get back to work within 4 weeks. It is uncommon for workers to remain on sick leave for more than 6 months.
Should you call off work for back pain?
Bad back pain. __You may feel like a wimp calling in sick because your back hurts, but don’t! Experts say sitting at a desk all day can actually aggravate your back and make the pain worse. Instead, after a mega back spasm, spend the day at home taking it easy.
What are the 3 main reasons for back pain at work?
Causes of back pain at work
carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed. pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads. manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work. repetitive tasks, such as packing products.
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
- You’ve Been in Pain for Over a Week. …
- Your Pain Extends to Other Body Parts. …
- You Have Numbness, Tingling or Weakness. …
- You Have Pain After an Accident. …
- Your Pain is Worse at Certain Times or in Certain Positions. …
- You’re Having Problems with Your Bowels or Urination.
What does Covid back pain feel like?
This back pain has been described by some as intense period cramps, kidney stones or muscle spasms.
Is back pain common with Covid?
People have said the most common problems after being unwell with coronavirus are shoulder and back problems, but joint and muscle problems can occur in any part of the body. Some people have widespread aching that can come and go for a time as you recover.
How do you explain back pain at work?
First and foremost, explain to your doctor where the pain is centralized. Where are you experiencing the pain the most? Does it start in one location and radiate to other parts of the body? Explaining the location of your symptoms effectively can get you one step closer to relief.
How do you explain back pain at work?
First and foremost, explain to your doctor where the pain is centralized. Where are you experiencing the pain the most? Does it start in one location and radiate to other parts of the body? Explaining the location of your symptoms effectively can get you one step closer to relief.
Should I go to work with a pulled back muscle?
Most pulled muscles are fairly straightforward to diagnose and can be treated with ice or heat and over-the-counter pain medication. While your injury heals, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Back pain – advice for employees | Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland
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- Summary of article content: Articles about Back pain – advice for employees | Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland Back pain – benefits of active work; Causes of back pain; Warning signs; Dealing with back pain; Work and back pain; Off work and suffering back pain … …
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Main menu
Back pain – benefits of active work
Causes of back pain
Warning signs
Dealing with back pain
Work and back pain
Off work and suffering back pain
Staying in employment – top tips
Good posture
Back pain – advice for employees | Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland
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Main menu
Back pain – benefits of active work
Causes of back pain
Warning signs
Dealing with back pain
Work and back pain
Off work and suffering back pain
Staying in employment – top tips
Good posture
Back pain
– NHS
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Back pain
– NHS Updating Find out how to relieve back pain, what can cause it, and when to get medical advice. - Table of Contents:
Causes of back pain
How to ease back pain yourself
Non-urgent advice See a GP if
Urgent advice Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if
Immediate action required Call 999 or go to A&E if
Treatments for back pain
Support links
– NHS
Factors that influence the duration of sick leave due to low-back pain
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5 Reasons Why It’s a Good Idea to Call in Sick | Glamour
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- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for 5 Reasons Why It’s a Good Idea to Call in Sick | Glamour Updating Do you dread calling in sick? Whether it’s the fear of a judgmental boss or just concerns about missing out on important happenings, health experts want to put you at ease. There are times when making the call is a must. Confused about whether staying home is a good idea? Here are five signs that a sick day is in order…women health,women health care,women health issues,women health questions
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signed off work back pain – my rights? | Mumsnet
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- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for signed off work back pain – my rights? | Mumsnet Get your GP to write to him if he/she hasn’t already explaining that you will be signed off work sick until an appropriate H&S risk assessment … Am half way through the week and have been signed off by GP (supported by physio)due to serious backpain. Have been given painkillers, muscle relaxant…
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Factors that influence the duration of sick leave due to low-back pain
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How To Get Signed Off Work With Back Pain? – Robustalive
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- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How To Get Signed Off Work With Back Pain? – Robustalive What Can I Do While At Work While Having Lower Back Pain? Steps That You Can Take To Get Signed Off Work With Back Pain; Write An Email To HR And Your Manager. In today’s post, I will cover: What steps can I take to get signed off work with back pain? How long can I be signed off sick for with back pain? I will also
- Table of Contents:
What Can I Do While At Work While Having Lower Back Pain
Steps That You Can Take To Get Signed Off Work With Back Pain
Write An Email To HR And Your Manager
Show Them The Evidence
How Long Can I Be Signed Off Work With Back Pain
What Should I Do When I Get Home From Work With Back Pain
Can I Ask For Extra Sick Days If I Have Chronic Back Pain
Things To Keep In Mind
Conclusion
What will my GP do about my back? | WorkSmart: The career coach that works for everyone
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- Summary of article content: Articles about What will my GP do about my back? | WorkSmart: The career coach that works for everyone You only need a fit note from a doctor after seven days off work sick. Employers can take a copy of the fit note and you should keep the original. …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for What will my GP do about my back? | WorkSmart: The career coach that works for everyone You only need a fit note from a doctor after seven days off work sick. Employers can take a copy of the fit note and you should keep the original. Your GP may advise a short period of rest, perhaps with an ice pack, but long periods of inactivity can worsen the injury by weakening affected muscles or tendons. Painkillers prescribed by your GP may be necessary, but they can conceal the pain and prevent your body’s natural alarm bells warning you about potentially irreparable damage. For persistent pain, the GP is likely
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Page not available – PMC
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how to get signed off work with back pain
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How To Get Signed Off Work Permanently (How To) | OptimistMinds
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OptimistMinds
How to get signed off work permanently
Benefits to claim if you are sick or disabled
What will my employer do when having a long-term sickness leave or recurring short term sickness absence
How to get signed off work during pregnancy
How to get signed off work with stress
How to get signed off work with depression
How to get signed off work with back pain
Interventions to help a return to work what do they consist of
Can my doctor sign me off work permanently
Why is this blog about how to get signed off work permanently important
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how to get signed off work permanently
Recommended reading
References
OptimistMinds
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When do I need a fit note? – NHS
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More than 7 days off sick
Important
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
How to count sick days
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When do I need a fit note? – NHS
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7 days off sick or less
More than 7 days off sick
Important
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
How to count sick days
How can I get a fit note
Charges for fit notes
Further information
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Back pain – advice for employees
This advice will help you to understand the causes of back pain and give advice on what to do if you are a sufferer. Knowing what the risks are can help you to reduce the possibility of developing back pain.
Back pain – benefits of active work
Active work has a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. The idea that manual handling or repetitive movements is ‘bad for employees’ is a myth but it is true active work approached wrongly, can sometimes contribute to health conditions like back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) such as muscular aches and strains.
Benefits your physical health
Just doing your job can help you meet the recommended target for exercise (30 minutes of physical activity at least five days each week). This exercise can be broken down to 10 or 15 minute chunks if more suitable to you.
Benefits your mental health
Being physically active promotes your body to release chemicals that help improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed.
Causes of back pain
Back pain is common. Nearly everyone is affected by it at some time. For most pepople affected by back pain episodes are nearly always short-lived.
The exact cause of back pain is often unclear, but back pain is more common in work roles that involve:
repetitive tasks – such as manual packing of goods
force – heavy manual labour, handling tasks, pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads
posture – poor/ awkward postures such as stooping, bending over, crouching, stretching, twisting and reaching
duration – prolonged periods in one position, for example working with computers or driving long distances or working when physically overtired
vibration – operating vibration tools
cold temperature – working in low temperature environments e.g. outdoor working in winter
Warning signs
Back pain is not usually due to any serious damage or disease. The pain usually improves within days or a few weeks, at least enough to get on with your life.
Only a few people have back pain that is caused by a more serious issue such as a slipped disc or a trapped nerve and even these usually get better by themselves.
Investigations (x-rays and MRI scans) in the first four to six weeks are not beneficial unless there are warning signs present. Such investigations can detect serious spinal injuries which are very rare but they don’t usually help in ordinary back pain.
If you do have back pain and suddenly notice any of these symptoms, which are rare, you should see a doctor straight away.
Other warning signs include:
difficulty passing or controlling urine
numbness around your back passage or genitals
numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in both legs
unsteadiness on your feet
severe pain which gets worse over several weeks (especially at night or when lying down)
recent accident/trauma
unexplained weight loss
history of cancer
feeling unwell/ fever
Dealing with back pain
Sometimes the pain can make you miserable but you should still take control of the pain.
In the early stages:
avoid bed rest – prolonged bed rest is harmful
stay active (including work) – your back is designed for movement so the sooner you start doing your ordinary activities the better
use prescribed pain killers preferably taken at regular intervals (Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
heat or cold applied to the sore area may help
seek help from a qualified professional (osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor)
a short course of manipulation/ acupuncture can help relieve back pain for some
a structured exercise programme tailored to your needs (to include aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, postural control and stretches) may help relieve pain
stay at work – or early return to work, with modifications if needed
Next stages
steadily increase your level of activity
do a little bit more each day if the pain has been restricting your movement
do not stay in one position for too long
get up and stretch regularly
move about and take some walks, building up your activity as you get stronger
stay at work if you can to keep active and recover from the pain – if you have a lot of lifting or other risk factors in your job, talk to your employer and tell them about tasks that will be difficult to begin with
even if the pain is particularly severe you can still try to do most daily activities or hobbies
A summary of good advice can be found at the BackCare website.
NHS choices website is the online ‘front door’ to the NHS. It is the UK’s biggest health website and gives all the information you need to make choices about your health.
Learning and following the correct method for lifting and handling heavy loads can help to prevent injury, see the NHS safe lifting tips webpage.
If you work in an office and use a computer, you can avoid injury by sitting in the right position and arranging your desk correctly, you can follow the tips in the NHS webpage.
The best ways to deal with pain and help your back to recover are to maintain your mobility and return to work as soon as possible.
Work and back pain
Long-term unemployment can be a serious consequence of back pain. Your employer and you play a very important role in keeping you at work.
Report back pain to your employer and to your safety representative if there is one in your workplace.
Planned return to work
talk to your employer and safety representative about ways to ensure safe return to work
develop a plan for progressive return to work as your physical work capacity improves
your employer may be able to put you in touch with occupational health support
Changes to work activities
It is important to work with your employer to enable a return to work. Helpful strategies for return to work may include:
suggesting alternatives and rotation between activities – this may help an early return to normal work
reducing the duration of work for the first few week – this may help reduce risk of further pain
working a half normal shift (about four hours at first) – this may improve pain tolerance
What your employer can do to help
Your employer has to protect the health and safety of their workforce by law. They must:
perform risk assessments and put in place reasonable measures to reduce that risk
provide information and training about safe ways of work
act on any reports of ill health caused by work – if a worker returns after sick leave, the employer needs to make sure that the worker’s health is not made worse by work
make changes to work environment and work style as far as is practical
provide equipment to assist in your duties
provide reasonable adjustments to the workplace if a worker is disabled under the definition in the Disability Discrimination Act
(Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – legislation.gov.uk)
(Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – legislation.gov.uk) consider basic ‘health promotion in the workplace’ tips, for example walk or cycle to work schemes
Off work and suffering back pain
General information and advice on managing sickness absence and return to work can be found in our Sickness absence section.
If there is no occupational health provider available, your GP or safety representative may be able to discuss possible work restrictions or adjustments.
You can also suggest any practical workplace adaptations or alterations which might help you to cope while you return to full time working. Also keep in regular contact with your employer to make them aware of your situation, and to discuss what adjustments might be needed once you are ready to return.
You should also discuss your needs with your employer and occupational health provider.
Help yourself
At work:
you have a duty to look after your own health and safety, including your back
co-operate with arrangements your employer introduces to reduce risks – this may be through systems or equipment in place for you to use or a system of reporting accidents, near misses or symptoms of ill health
ensure you are competent in tasks you do (receive tailored training and follow advice you’re given)
think about the movements your job requires you to carry out regularly and try to eliminate movements that are not benefiting your health and limit your productivity – you can achieve this through developing better working postures
Movements you should try to avoid should include:
awkward or uncomfortable positions (for example, working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted)
using too much force
placing too much strain on one side of your body
Report pain or any other symptoms to your employer promptly.
Staying in employment – top tips
stay or become more physically active
warm up a little, to prepare your body for work for heavy or repetitive work – you should do this at the beginning of the day and after rest periods
get up and stretch
use good technique/ adopt neutral work postures
don’t overstretch to perform a task – move closer
make good use of equipment designed to help you with strenuous tasks – more advice is available at the link below:
HSE GB’s free leaflet: Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids (PDF format) www.hse.gov.uk
HSE GB’s free leaflet: Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids (PDF format) www.hse.gov.uk rotate repetitive activities / vary your tasks to avoid the same movements for prolonged periods using the same parts of your body
take rest periods or have ‘micro breaks’ regularly
sit up comfortably in a chair that supports your lower back
during computer work, ensure that you adjust your chair height so that your forearms are comfortably resting on the desk and your elbows are roughly at right angles – more advice is available in our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) topic area.
don’t skip meals and do drink water regularly
make sure clothes fit properly so you can move freely and maintain a comfortable temperature – cold muscles are more likely to suffer injury
seek advice from a physio about specific exercises that will help you develop the strength your muscles and improve your fitness so you can manage the demands of your job
Good posture
Correct posture and transfer of your body weight in movement is really important for good health. If you adopt the correct postures for the tasks you do at work and at home:
your back, neck and other joints will remain healthy and strong
you will breathe deeper and more freely
you will be at a reduced risk of developing problems
your internal organs will be able to work more efficiently
Poor posture is often the result of bad habits developed over a lifetime, such as slouching, but can also result from:
obesity
fatigue
stress and anxiety
poor lifting and handling technique
In good posture, your head, shoulders, spine and hip joints will adopt correct alignment. Whether you are standing, sitting, or leaning you should aim to avoid undue stress and strain on your joints. This will help you feel:
Back pain – advice for employees
This advice will help you to understand the causes of back pain and give advice on what to do if you are a sufferer. Knowing what the risks are can help you to reduce the possibility of developing back pain.
Back pain – benefits of active work
Active work has a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. The idea that manual handling or repetitive movements is ‘bad for employees’ is a myth but it is true active work approached wrongly, can sometimes contribute to health conditions like back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) such as muscular aches and strains.
Benefits your physical health
Just doing your job can help you meet the recommended target for exercise (30 minutes of physical activity at least five days each week). This exercise can be broken down to 10 or 15 minute chunks if more suitable to you.
Benefits your mental health
Being physically active promotes your body to release chemicals that help improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed.
Causes of back pain
Back pain is common. Nearly everyone is affected by it at some time. For most pepople affected by back pain episodes are nearly always short-lived.
The exact cause of back pain is often unclear, but back pain is more common in work roles that involve:
repetitive tasks – such as manual packing of goods
force – heavy manual labour, handling tasks, pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads
posture – poor/ awkward postures such as stooping, bending over, crouching, stretching, twisting and reaching
duration – prolonged periods in one position, for example working with computers or driving long distances or working when physically overtired
vibration – operating vibration tools
cold temperature – working in low temperature environments e.g. outdoor working in winter
Warning signs
Back pain is not usually due to any serious damage or disease. The pain usually improves within days or a few weeks, at least enough to get on with your life.
Only a few people have back pain that is caused by a more serious issue such as a slipped disc or a trapped nerve and even these usually get better by themselves.
Investigations (x-rays and MRI scans) in the first four to six weeks are not beneficial unless there are warning signs present. Such investigations can detect serious spinal injuries which are very rare but they don’t usually help in ordinary back pain.
If you do have back pain and suddenly notice any of these symptoms, which are rare, you should see a doctor straight away.
Other warning signs include:
difficulty passing or controlling urine
numbness around your back passage or genitals
numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in both legs
unsteadiness on your feet
severe pain which gets worse over several weeks (especially at night or when lying down)
recent accident/trauma
unexplained weight loss
history of cancer
feeling unwell/ fever
Dealing with back pain
Sometimes the pain can make you miserable but you should still take control of the pain.
In the early stages:
avoid bed rest – prolonged bed rest is harmful
stay active (including work) – your back is designed for movement so the sooner you start doing your ordinary activities the better
use prescribed pain killers preferably taken at regular intervals (Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
heat or cold applied to the sore area may help
seek help from a qualified professional (osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor)
a short course of manipulation/ acupuncture can help relieve back pain for some
a structured exercise programme tailored to your needs (to include aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, postural control and stretches) may help relieve pain
stay at work – or early return to work, with modifications if needed
Next stages
steadily increase your level of activity
do a little bit more each day if the pain has been restricting your movement
do not stay in one position for too long
get up and stretch regularly
move about and take some walks, building up your activity as you get stronger
stay at work if you can to keep active and recover from the pain – if you have a lot of lifting or other risk factors in your job, talk to your employer and tell them about tasks that will be difficult to begin with
even if the pain is particularly severe you can still try to do most daily activities or hobbies
A summary of good advice can be found at the BackCare website.
NHS choices website is the online ‘front door’ to the NHS. It is the UK’s biggest health website and gives all the information you need to make choices about your health.
Learning and following the correct method for lifting and handling heavy loads can help to prevent injury, see the NHS safe lifting tips webpage.
If you work in an office and use a computer, you can avoid injury by sitting in the right position and arranging your desk correctly, you can follow the tips in the NHS webpage.
The best ways to deal with pain and help your back to recover are to maintain your mobility and return to work as soon as possible.
Work and back pain
Long-term unemployment can be a serious consequence of back pain. Your employer and you play a very important role in keeping you at work.
Report back pain to your employer and to your safety representative if there is one in your workplace.
Planned return to work
talk to your employer and safety representative about ways to ensure safe return to work
develop a plan for progressive return to work as your physical work capacity improves
your employer may be able to put you in touch with occupational health support
Changes to work activities
It is important to work with your employer to enable a return to work. Helpful strategies for return to work may include:
suggesting alternatives and rotation between activities – this may help an early return to normal work
reducing the duration of work for the first few week – this may help reduce risk of further pain
working a half normal shift (about four hours at first) – this may improve pain tolerance
What your employer can do to help
Your employer has to protect the health and safety of their workforce by law. They must:
perform risk assessments and put in place reasonable measures to reduce that risk
provide information and training about safe ways of work
act on any reports of ill health caused by work – if a worker returns after sick leave, the employer needs to make sure that the worker’s health is not made worse by work
make changes to work environment and work style as far as is practical
provide equipment to assist in your duties
provide reasonable adjustments to the workplace if a worker is disabled under the definition in the Disability Discrimination Act
(Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – legislation.gov.uk)
(Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – legislation.gov.uk) consider basic ‘health promotion in the workplace’ tips, for example walk or cycle to work schemes
Off work and suffering back pain
General information and advice on managing sickness absence and return to work can be found in our Sickness absence section.
If there is no occupational health provider available, your GP or safety representative may be able to discuss possible work restrictions or adjustments.
You can also suggest any practical workplace adaptations or alterations which might help you to cope while you return to full time working. Also keep in regular contact with your employer to make them aware of your situation, and to discuss what adjustments might be needed once you are ready to return.
You should also discuss your needs with your employer and occupational health provider.
Help yourself
At work:
you have a duty to look after your own health and safety, including your back
co-operate with arrangements your employer introduces to reduce risks – this may be through systems or equipment in place for you to use or a system of reporting accidents, near misses or symptoms of ill health
ensure you are competent in tasks you do (receive tailored training and follow advice you’re given)
think about the movements your job requires you to carry out regularly and try to eliminate movements that are not benefiting your health and limit your productivity – you can achieve this through developing better working postures
Movements you should try to avoid should include:
awkward or uncomfortable positions (for example, working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted)
using too much force
placing too much strain on one side of your body
Report pain or any other symptoms to your employer promptly.
Staying in employment – top tips
stay or become more physically active
warm up a little, to prepare your body for work for heavy or repetitive work – you should do this at the beginning of the day and after rest periods
get up and stretch
use good technique/ adopt neutral work postures
don’t overstretch to perform a task – move closer
make good use of equipment designed to help you with strenuous tasks – more advice is available at the link below:
HSE GB’s free leaflet: Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids (PDF format) www.hse.gov.uk
HSE GB’s free leaflet: Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids (PDF format) www.hse.gov.uk rotate repetitive activities / vary your tasks to avoid the same movements for prolonged periods using the same parts of your body
take rest periods or have ‘micro breaks’ regularly
sit up comfortably in a chair that supports your lower back
during computer work, ensure that you adjust your chair height so that your forearms are comfortably resting on the desk and your elbows are roughly at right angles – more advice is available in our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) topic area.
don’t skip meals and do drink water regularly
make sure clothes fit properly so you can move freely and maintain a comfortable temperature – cold muscles are more likely to suffer injury
seek advice from a physio about specific exercises that will help you develop the strength your muscles and improve your fitness so you can manage the demands of your job
Good posture
Correct posture and transfer of your body weight in movement is really important for good health. If you adopt the correct postures for the tasks you do at work and at home:
your back, neck and other joints will remain healthy and strong
you will breathe deeper and more freely
you will be at a reduced risk of developing problems
your internal organs will be able to work more efficiently
Poor posture is often the result of bad habits developed over a lifetime, such as slouching, but can also result from:
obesity
fatigue
stress and anxiety
poor lifting and handling technique
In good posture, your head, shoulders, spine and hip joints will adopt correct alignment. Whether you are standing, sitting, or leaning you should aim to avoid undue stress and strain on your joints. This will help you feel:
Back pain
Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.
Causes of back pain
Back pain can have many causes. It’s not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.
A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).
Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain.
Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.
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