Back Pain: Risk Factors

There are many known risks that are associated with the development of back pain to which a little consideration could save many people a lifetime of pain and discomfort. Back pain cannot be totally avoided, but by taking a little extra care, can be significantly reduced.

Occupation

Any occupation that requires the employee to participate in bending, lifting, long periods of sitting or driving, can add to the increased risk of developing a back complaint. Employers are now legally obliged to ensure correct lifting aids are available, suitable chairs are provided and that breaks are taken when necessary. Training on correct moving and handling techniques is also a requirement, and it is the employees’ responsibility to attend sessions and amend practises as needed.

Anyone who must undertake a repetitive role should try and vary the activity often so as not to get fatigued and lapse into carelessness.

Overtime should be kept at a reasonable rate for the same reasons.

Smoking

Many smokers are not aware of the associated risks they are creating by participating in this habit. Smokers are over 2.5 times more likely to develop a back complaint as non-smokers, and recovery rates are exceedingly slower. Smoking causes significant degeneration of the intervertebral discs, a lack of oxygen in the blood supply, which dramatically affects the healing process, and causes an increased risk of fractures to the hips, wrists and spine.

Posture

Poor posture, resulting from slouching, bending, stooping, leaning and being in the same position for long periods of time, can causes high levels of muscle fatigue. Tired muscles can spasm and constrict nerve and blood vessels which creates pins and needles, numbness and poor oxygen levels to the spinal structures.

Age

Unavoidable, age is a huge risk factor in the development of back pain. Age brings with it a higher risk of arthritis, an increased chance of degenerative disc disorders (thinning of the discs after the age of 30, and dehydration of the discs as age increases), more chance of getting spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and an increased risk of sciatica as bone density decreases. This also adds to the possibility of suffering from fractures.

Weight

Another risk factor that can have extremely bad consequences if not managed correctly, a person’s weight can be very detrimental to the health of their back if either obese, or highly undernourished.

Additional weight can put immense pressure on the lower back, especially the ligaments which can become permanently overstretched causing long-term weakness. The consequences being sciatica, herniated discs (and all the associated neurological factors), musculoskeletal and joint pain from poor posture. A lack of exercise coupled with a high Body Mass Index can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Sports

Many sports carry a high injury incidence, but if correct techniques are used and a sufficient warm-up performed, many of these risks can be reduced. It is not only the high-impact sports or those with require a high degree of technical expertise (such as gymnastics) that can be problematic; a simple golf swing can be the catalyst for a long encounter of back pain.

Pregnancy

As the growing foetus and uterus develop, the stress put on the lower back increases. Not only this but a shift in the placement of abdominal organs and loosened pelvic ligaments (to prepare for the imminent birth) all contribute to making the back more vulnerable and prone to injury. Pre-pregnancy exercise and a gestational yoga class should help reduce the chances of injuries.

Malnourishment

Eating disorders can increase the risk of the premature development of osteoporosis. This can cause fractures of the skeletal system and other injuries that may not heal sufficiently due to the person’s lack of nutrition. A poor exercise programme is likely as energy levels are low, also increasing the risks of suffering from a back complaint.

Some of these risk factors are unavoidable, but a little knowledge and some precautionary measures can reduce the risks considerably.