How Can Poor Posture Result In Back Pain In Employees

“How Can Poor Posture Result In Back Pain?”, it’s a question anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer or at a desk might ask at some point. Poor posture affects many office workers, causing mild to severe back pain and impacting their professional, personal, and family life. In the US, one in four employees reports back pain, costing the economy $200 billion annually, including 149 million lost work days and two-thirds of lost wages and productivity.

In the IT industry, where many individuals hunch forward in awkward positions while working, this contributes to the prevalence of back pain. However, with time, effort, and right back braces, the posture can be improved and back pain can be prevented.

This blog explores how can poor posture result in back pain, its impact on employees, and effective ways to prevent it.

How Can Poor Posture Result In Back Pain?

One of the leading reasons for back pain in the workplace is poor posture. Throughout the workday, individuals may find themselves slouching, leaning towards their computer, or even sliding forward in their chairs. 

Fatigue can also cause employees to have a relaxed posture while sitting or standing. Such positions can put excessive strain on spinal ligaments and put pressure on the spinal discs. Additionally, holding a phone for extended periods between your ear and shoulder can also lead to tension in the spine.

Poor workplace ergonomics can contribute to strained movements and poor posture. If the workplace is cramped and an employee cannot move freely or office chairs don’t offer proper lumbar support, these reasons may encourage poor posture which may lead to back pain. 

Other reasons may also include:

• Using a computer/laptop in a forward-bent position for an extended period of time. (holding your head forward to focus on the screen is the major cause of frequent back pain).
• Not taking breaks from long periods of sitting (Experiencing little or no movement in a day can compress the intervertebral discs and squeeze water out of them.
• Crossing your legs more often
• Squinting eyes that may put pressure on your head and back muscles
• Unnatural movement of your arms
• Repetition of certain movements such as rotating or twisting your spine

How Can Poor Posture Result In Back Pain And Impact Employees’ Performance?

1. Back Pain Reduces Productivity

If you have back pain, it can affect your performance at work in several ways including reduced ability to focus, vulnerability to more mistakes, low morale, and ultimately low performance. Most employees become a victim of presenteeism – a condition in which the person gets distracted by symptoms. According to surveys, an individual may lose up to 16 minutes every time he feels pain in the back. 

2. Back Pain Affects Decision-Making

According to PubMed research, ongoing back pain makes it difficult to work toward something or take the right decision about a project. A patient fails to adapt to the changing requirements and can’t make quick decisions when the project gets off track. 

3. Back Pain Surgery Can Be Costly

Pain conditions not only affect employer healthcare plans but also result in considerable expenses for employees. Certain insurance plans don’t provide coverage for physical therapy, while copays for these range from $20 to $55 per session. If the employee goes through surgery due to a serious back condition, they may have to pay thousands of dollars. 

Now that we have explained how can poor posture result in back pain and how it impacts employees, here are some back pain solutions for employees.

How Can Poor Posture Result In Back Pain: Preventive Measures

1. Pay Attention to Your Posture

The wrong or unhealthy posture is the major cause of back pain among employees. If you’re experiencing pain in your back, it’s time you work on correcting your posture.

To maintain good posture: 

• Distribute your weight evenly on both feet while standing and avoid slouching.
• For a proper sitting posture, choose a chair that offers support to your lower back and adjust its height to keep your feet flat on the ground or on a footrest with your thighs parallel to the floor.
• If you’re using a computer and your hands are on the table, your shoulders should make an angle of 75 to 90 degrees while sitting straight in your chair.
• Remove your cell phone or wallet from the back pocket to prevent additional pressure on your lower back and buttocks.

2. Choose the Right Office Chair

Most of the employees work 8 to 9 hours a day. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair for a longer period can impact your posture. Therefore, it’s important to look for an ergonomic office chair.

• Make sure the chair has an adjustable height and backrest and an appropriate seat depth
• The chair should have adjustable armrests to reduce the stress on your back
• If you have to turn around frequently, make sure the chair is able to swivel so you do not have to twist your torso.

3. Prioritize Your Physical & Mental Health

Experiencing perpetual work-related stress can result in muscle tension and pain, in addition to burnout. If work is causing too much mental and physical stress, consider talking to your manager about your workload or utilizing the employee assistance program if it is available at your organization.

4. Use A Posture Brace

If you have been experiencing back pain due to bad posture at work, wearing a back brace can help correct your posture. Back braces for posture are designed to address the muscle imbalances that arise as a result of unhealthy postures. These braces work by giving a sense of proprioception to the muscles, guiding them where they need to be. Wearing a posture corrector for up to six hours a day will help relieve pain, and boost your energy and productivity level.

Do you need a back brace for your back pain? Daphco, a Medicare-approved supplier can provide high-quality back braces at market-competitive prices. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can get a brace at little or no cost.

Need more details about our braces? Contact us at 888-616-4156 or send us an email at support@daphco.com