HUMAN FACTORS & ERGONOMICS
“PEOPLE ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO RECOVER FROM BACK PAIN WHEN IT IS RECOGNISED EARLY AND TREATED APPROPRIATELY.”
For those given the all clear by a doctor, keeping active is lauded as one of the most important things that back pain sufferers can carry out as it’s likely to quicken recovery. Simple back stretches and exercises can often help reduce back pain, and gentle activities such as yoga, swimming, walking, and Pilates will strengthen and support the body. Cold compresses applied at regular intervals can effectively reduce inflammation around the painful area, and alternating with hot compresses can also provide relief.
If back pain continues then, it’s advisable to see a GP who may make referrals for further investigations or more specialist treatments. They may also prescribe stronger medication and muscle relaxants and occasionally surgery is appropriate.
BACK PAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH It is worth noting that sufferers of any chronic pain
could go on to develop issues with their mental
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health, such as a depression. Unrelenting back pain can lead to poor sleeping and eating habits, interrupt physical activity and all of the other activities that contribute to positive emotional wellbeing. Stress from suffering with pain can often exacerbate the physical symptoms, and so it becomes a vicious circle. GPs will often suggest psychological therapy in addition to other treatments for back pain.
CONCLUSION Back pain is an extremely common condition. Although
it usually improves within weeks, the disruption to businesses and workforces can be significant, particularly when there is a high risk the problem can return. A robust and transparent health and safety ethos and good, caring relations between employer and employee will pay dividends in the successful management of work-related back pain problems.
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