How staff can deal with lower back pain

Employers can help reduce the deadly office malaise

Lower back pain is one of the top five reasons for workplace absenteeism in South Africa. It is also one of the leading causes of disability, according to Alexander Forbes Health.

Office workers can spend up to eight hours in a seated position that is not natural. "Ergonomic office furniture, regular breaks and wellness programmes in an office environment can alleviate incidence rates," said Dr Fathima Docrat, medical adviser at Alexander Forbes Health Management.

Psychosocial factors also appear to play a role. "People with depression, increased level of stress and anxiety are more prone to lower back pain," she said.

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A study by the World Health Organisation revealed that 37% of lower back pain cases were caused by occupational risk factors.

"Lower back pain is causing significant financial loss and a decrease in quality of life, which in turn affects performance at work," said Docrat.

Up to seven out of 10 people could expect to experience lower back pain during their lives, with the likelihood peaking between the age of 35 and 55. "As the population ages, pain will increase substantially due to the deterioration of bones and cartilage in the back," she said.

Docrat said work that involved heavy lifting and unnatural body postures resulted in "preventable" back pain.

"Manual labourers and professions that involve lifting, such as nurses, need to be taught correct lifting procedures and given aids to assist in heavy lifting. In addition, workplace monitoring and regular reminders need to be implemented to prevent injuries."

With the modifiable risk factors identified, the most promising approach for employers to help their staff included exercise, appropriate education and support at the workplace.

"Each industry needs to tailor its own programme to form the foundation of an integrated wellness approach. With continued momentum and monitoring, this will result in a happier and healthier workplace," Docrat said.