One of the most common causes of lower back pain is injury — due to trauma or repetitive stress — that is sustained at work. Experts say that as much as 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at one point or another in their lives, but there are typically two reasons that people suffer from back pain at work. One is from lifting or carrying heavy items unsafely, and the other is from sitting with poor posture. Here are three tips for preventing lower back pain due to either cause.

1. Maintain a Healthy Body.
A person who is affected by low back pain should make sure that he or she works on strengthening muscles and work out often. People affected by lower back pain might find it tempting to try to rest and avoid physical activity when suffering from back pain, but that can actually slow recovery time. Additionally, having strong back muscles and a healthy body to begin can help avoid injury in the future.

2. Lift and Carry Carefully.
One of the major causes of lower back pain at work is lifting or carrying too-heavy items on the job. Workers should always use dollies or other rolling equipment when possible. Otherwise, it’s essential to lift with the legs rather than the back muscles and use a squatting to standing motion rather than a bending over motion. When carrying heavy items, workers should turn their entire bodies instead of twisting at the waist.

3. Sit Well and Be Active.
A person who works at a desk and sits all day should also take measures to avoid back pain and the side effects of lower back pain. This typically means sitting optimizing the office space for ergonomics and sitting properly, with adequate lumbar support. Additionally, it’s important to get up every few hours to stretch and walk around.

Do you have any tips for preventing lower back pain as a result of repetitive stress or trauma injuries on the job? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.