The very painful truth about backs

The very painful truth about backs

Are you sitting comfortably at work?If not, then now’s the time to act or you could end up like millions of other people whose life is made a misery by back pain. Lisa James reports

NOT SO long ago, travel agent Sarah Hamilton would work out every day at the gym, grab every chance to go on trade educationals to far-flung destinations and would be the last person left on the dance floor every Friday night.

Now, getting out of bed every morning can be a real effort, sitting down at her desk for even a short amount of time is excruciating and the thought of being cooped up on an airline flight fills her with dread.

Nearly 80% of people will suffer from back problems at some time in their life, and many, like Sarah get theirs through bad posture.

Sarah, who works at a multiple in Nottinghamshire, said:”I believe my problems have a lot to do with the fact I was often sitting awkwardly at the desk at work.

“My job quite often requires using the telephone while taking notes and tapping into a computer and because Iwasn’t sitting straight, it started affecting my back.

“The warning signs came when I started getting twinges in my back, for example after I did a particularly energetic workout, or after lugging loads of boxes of brochures around the office.

“Then I went on an educational to Thailand. The combination of sleeping awkwardly on a long-haul flight and carrying a heavy bag was the last straw and my back just gave way. The educational was supposed to be enjoyable but I spent the whole time in absolute agony.”

Chiropractor Claire Gordon is a back specialist who has treated several travel agents for various back and neck complaints.

Gordon, who works at Yeovil Chiropractic Clinic, said:”Sitting down puts three times the pressure on the intervertebral discs and spine as compared to standing and walking around.

“It’s really important to look after your spine because it houses the link between your brain and the rest of your body. It’s the key part in your central nervous system – you wouldn’t function without it.”

She added:”The majority of agents Ihave seen have had problems because they are sitting down for long periods of time, having to simultaneously talk on the telephone while twisting in an awkward position to work a computer, or write down information. This means they are contorting their bodies.

Gordon added: “Other major factors that lead to bad backs include having to do lots of lifting, or driving for long periods – this could apply to a regional manager who spends a lot of time on the road.”

Claire Gordon can be contacted at Yeovil Chiropractic Clinic on: 01935 423138. Or contact the British Chiropractic Association on: 0118 950 5950.

Look after your back – top tips

&#42 Sit centrally at your desk or in front of your computer screen – the middle of your screen should be at eye level to put your neck at the least pressure.

&#42 Sit with your hips higher than your knees – this will keep your spine upright avoid slouching at your desk

&#42 Use a wrist pad if you use a keyboard. This takes the strain off the wrist and protects you from repetitive strain injury which can lead to neck and back problems.

&#42 Swap the computer mouse from the left hand to the right hand regularly.

&#42 Use a headset if you are on the phone a lot.

&#42 Avoid twisting to reach down to get things out offiling systems and drawers.

&#42 Get up and move around as often as possible.

&#42 Bend your knees and lift objects straight up. Keep whatever you lift very close to your body. Avoid handbags and use a rucksack or one that goes from one shoulder to the opposite hip.

Comfortable? Talking on the phone while trying to do work on your computer will lead to back problems in the future

Spinal rap: agents need to think about their posture when they are sitting down