Do you spend your days at a desk? Is your job requiring you to twist or bend frequently? If you answered yes, you are probably familiar with back pain! Sitting for long periods daily at a desk or bending over frequently can cause back discomfort, which is a frequent condition.

What are the risk factors for back pain?

Back pain can have many causes. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause, but most of the time it gets better on its own. However, the causes of back pain or reasons that may worsen existing pain include:

• Lifting heavy or bulky loads
• Bend over or carry loads incorrectly, possibly with one hand
• Pushing, pulling or towing heavy loads
• Sitting or staying in one position for long periods
• Working beyond your capabilities or when you are physically tired or exercising hard after a period of inactivity
• Driving long distances, especially if the seat is not adjusted or cannot be adjusted
• Muscle strain
• Infection with some medical diseases
• Poor physical fitness. Because the back muscles may not support the spine properly
• Excess weight can put pressure on the back
• As we age, back pain becomes more common, especially after the age of 45.

It usually gets better within a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as cancer or infection, but it is very rare

Relief tips

Following some tips can help you reduce the risk in the workplace:

• Stay active and try to carry on with your daily activities
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Do not use Paracetamol alone or use it with another pain reliever. Order them from Al thiqa pharmacy.
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling
• Try doing some exercises and stretching exercises
• Avoid staying in bed for long periods
• Think about how to make jobs easier and lighten loads, for example, carrying heavy weights and objects on wheels

People with back pain usually recover completely if the problem is recognized early and treated appropriately.