
The Risk for Back Pain
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders that affect the spine are a worldwide problem. The World Health Organization has stated in the United States that there is an estimated 149 million workdays lost every year because of back pain, with total costs estimated to be around 100-200 billion a year. And the World Health Organization identified low back pain as the leading cause of disability in the world. The National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health, which is a division of the CDC, listed five primary risk conditions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders:- Regularly lifting of objects
- Regular exposure to whole-body vibration like using a jackhammer or driving a forklift
- Regular reaching overhead work
- Working with the spine in a chronic flexion position
- Repetitive work/tasks

Office Back Pain
Individuals that stare at screens most of the day means their spines are at risk for cervical spinal flexion. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. And sitting for long bouts of time with poor posture adds tremendous pressure and weight on the low back. When the body is seated for a long time, the body is not utilizing its core abdominal muscles and back muscles that keep the body and foundation strong and flexible. The more these muscles are under-utilized the more the body begins to fall into the vicious cycle of slouching, slumping, poor posture, and increased stress on the back muscles.
Avoiding Back Injury
With advancements in medicine, there are solutions for relieving pain and getting an individual back to regular work activity. Basic ways for avoiding injuries and keeping the spine healthy.- Lifting with the legs and not the back
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Healthy diet
- Stretching before physical activity and also during work will keep the muscles active and optimal circulation
- Overall physical fitness like taking a walk
- Knowing when to rest giving the body a break
- Focus on recovery during off-hours
Working with Spine Specialists
If the pain is constant or there is a high possibility of an injury, see a medical professional. The correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment, which can include:- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Pain management
- Medication
- Injections
- Surgery

Body Composition
How Aging Affects the Body
The body’s muscles are constantly being broken down and repaired. When the muscles are used, microscopic tears happen from the regular wear and tear. This means rebuilding those tears with protein. However, as the body gets older, it stops rebuilding the muscles as efficiently. With time, there is a reduction in overall muscle mass and strength. That loss can come from a combination of factors including:- Hormone changes – for example, testosterone gradually decreases
- Physical inactivity
- Comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer