Introduction
As an employer, it’s important to be aware of back pain facts and statistics, particularly since back pain is a common ailment among workers. While chiropractors treat a variety of conditions, many patients seek their help for back pain. In the United States, approximately 31 million people suffer from low back pain at any given time, according to research. This means that back pain is a significant issue that employers should be prepared to address with their employees, including offering resources such as business insurance to help cover the costs of treatment.
Interesting Facts about Back Pain
As an employer, it’s important to be aware of the facts and statistics surrounding back pain. According to the World Health Organisation, back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities. This is supported by the fact that back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work, with half of all working Americans admitting to having back pain symptoms each year. In the US alone, back pain accounts for more than 264 million lost workdays in a year, which is equivalent to two workdays for every full-time worker in the country. Additionally, experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives, regardless of age. Back pain is also the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint disorders.
It’s important to note that most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic, which means they are not caused by serious conditions like inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture, or cancer. While most people with low back pain recover, recurrence is common, and for a small percentage of people, the condition will become chronic and disabling. In fact, worldwide, years lived with disability caused by low back pain have increased by 54% between 1990 and 2015.
The impact of back pain is not only physical but also financial. In the US alone, low-back pain costs at least $50 billion in healthcare costs each year. If we add in lost wages and decreased productivity, that figure easily rises to more than $100 billion. As an employer, it’s important to take steps to prevent back pain among employees and to provide support for those who suffer from it. This can include offering ergonomic equipment, promoting exercise and healthy habits, and providing access to treatment options such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. By doing so, employers can help reduce the impact of back pain on both their employees and their bottom line.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is a multifaceted condition that can arise from a variety of sources. The back is a complex structure that encompasses bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. Spraining ligaments, straining muscles, rupturing disks, and irritating joints can all result in back pain. Even simple movements like picking up a pencil from the floor can lead to discomfort. In addition, back pain can result from arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress. It can also be a direct consequence of diseases of the internal organs, such as kidney infections, kidney stones, blood clots, or bone loss.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
As an employer, it is important to encourage your employees to adopt simple strategies that can help prevent back pain. Back pain can be debilitating and can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life, including their ability to work. Fortunately, there are several simple strategies that can help to prevent the onset of back pain.
One important factor in preventing back pain is maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on the back, making it more susceptible to injury. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can also help keep bones and muscles strong, reducing the risk of back pain.
Staying active is also crucial in preventing back pain. Regular exercise, under the supervision of a chiropractor, can help keep the muscles and joints in the back strong and flexible. It’s important to avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest, which can weaken the muscles and lead to stiffness.
Stretching or warming up before physical activities, such as gardening or exercise, can also help prevent back pain. Maintaining proper posture throughout the day is important as well. Slouching or hunching over can put unnecessary strain on the back, leading to pain over time.
Wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes can also help reduce the risk of back pain. High heels can alter the natural curvature of the spine, leading to pain and discomfort.
Sleeping on a mattress of medium firmness can minimise any curve in the spine, reducing the risk of back pain. When lifting an object, it’s important to lift with the knees, keep the object close to the body, and avoid twisting the back.
Smoking is another risk factor for back pain. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues. Quitting smoking can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of back pain.
Finally, working with a chiropractor to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct can help prevent back pain. Adjusting the height of your chair and computer screen, using a supportive chair, and taking frequent breaks to stretch and move can all help prevent back pain.
Conclusion
Aside from implementing preventive measures to minimize the risk of employee back pain, it’s crucial for employers to recognize the significance of obtaining adequate management liability insurance coverage. Back pain not only affects an individual’s capacity to work, but it can also result in costly medical expenses and lost earnings. Hence, having comprehensive management liability insurance coverage can safeguard a company’s financial resources in the event of an employee experiencing a work-related injury or illness. This can encompass workers’ compensation insurance that grants benefits to employees who encounter job-related injuries or illnesses, as well as liability insurance that shields a company from financial losses due to lawsuits or legal claims arising from workplace injuries. By procuring appropriate management liability insurance coverage, employers can help minimize the financial risks associated with employee injuries, including those related to back pain.
