Regardless of where you work or the duties you perform, you do not mind putting in a hard day’s work. Still, you do not want to sacrifice your body for your employer’s profits. If you have chronic back pain, you may wonder if it is just a normal and necessary part of your job.
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, roughly 25% of American workers are suffering from back pain at any given time. This pain may range from dull aches to stabbing or burning sensations. To protect your health, you must know the difference between normal back pain and something more serious.
What causes normal back pain?
While it may seem odd to think of any pain as normal, ordinary back pain is often nothing to worry about. Fortunately, it may be possible to alleviate normal back pain simply by changing the way you work.
Normal back pain is typically due to one of the following:
- Putting too much force on your back when lifting, bending, stretching or moving
- Performing the same motions over and over again
- Sitting or standing for prolonged periods
- Having poor posture
When should you see a doctor?
Not all back pain is normal, of course.
While you may not want to miss work to visit a doctor, you should seek medical attention if your pain lasts for more than a few days. Moreover, if you cannot perform your job duties or participate in everyday activities because of your pain, you should probably schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately.
Ultimately, rather than gritting your teeth and working through back pain, it makes sense both to understand its cause and to find a treatment plan that works for you.