How common is work-related back pain and injury in the UK?
How common is work-related back pain and injury in the UK?
Back pain and related conditions present a major problem for employers in the UK today, accounting for a massive 35% of all cases of work-related ill health. In terms of working days lost, on average, during 2017/18, workers suffering with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) took around 14 days off sick.
Should you go to work with a bad back?
But getting back to work and other activities may actually help you get better. This is because movement keeps your back flexible and the muscles strong, and staying in bed or avoiding activity for more than a day or two can actually make your pain worse. You will probably feel better being back in your normal routine.
What can I do for unbearable back pain?
Treatment recommendations may include:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy treats low back pain with stretching, strengthening exercises, and soft-tissue techniques that relieve pressure on your spine.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can provide pain relief.
What to do when you have excruciating back pain?
10 Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at Home
- Keep Moving. You might not feel like it when you’re in pain.
- Stretch and Strengthen. Strong muscles, especially in your abdominal core, help support your back.
- Keep Good Posture.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight.
- Quit Smoking.
- Try Ice and Heat.
- Know Your OTC Medications.
- Rub on Medicated Creams.
When should I get my back checked out?
8 Signs You Should See a Doctor for Your Back Pain
- Pain that won’t go away.
- Severe back pain that extends beyond the back.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Pain after an accident.
- Pain that is worse at certain times.
- Problems with your bowels or urination.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever.
What are the 3 main reasons for back pain at work?
Causes of back pain at work
- lifting heavy or bulky loads.
- 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.
- bending, crouching or stooping.
- stretching, twisting and reaching.
How long should I stay off work with back pain?
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.
What should I do immediately after hurting my back?
We use our back every day to complete regular activities such as sitting up, lifting, and reaching. Your back is in use all day long making the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in your back work hard. That’s why the health of the muscles is very important.
When to seek medical attention for back pain?
Your whole body relies on the health of your back and spine so you want to make sure you treat your pain the right way the first time. Most pain will go away quickly but if it continues for more than a week or two then you need to seek medical attention.
How to know if you have pulled a muscle in your back?
Signs that you have torn, strained, or pulled a muscle in your back: 1 A sore or tender lower back 2 Sudden pain 3 Muscles spasms 4 Back stiffness 5 Pain in legs, butt, or thighs 6 Muscle and tendon weakness 7 Pain when standing, walking, or twisting
When to know if you have a back injury?
Even constant repetitive movement can cause a back injury, which is more common in sports injuries and office settings. Signs that you have torn, strained, or pulled a muscle in your back: A sore or tender lower back