Back in the Office

6-12th October 2014 see’s the launch of national BackCare™ ” Back In the Office” awareness week.

Back pain is the leading cause of sickness absence from work. The financial burden is enormous – daily it costs the NHS 1.3 million, 13 million in disability benefits with it costing the UK economy 37 million. That’s 19 billion each year and resulted in 31 million working days lost in 2013.
4 out of 5 of us (80%) will suffer some degree of back pain throughout life.

Your employer must meet certain minimum requirments to protect your health and safety. These standards apply even if you are a temporary employee or work in your own home. As an employee, you also have a legal responsibility. You can help yourself to increase work performance and stay pain free by following this guidance.

• Stand at work: The more sedentary you are the worse it is for your health. There has been positive research into sit-stand working.
• Chose a comfortable chair: One size does not fit all. Chairs should be stable, adjustable and allow freedom of movement in the immediate workspace.
• Setting up your working space – “Mr Perfect” as recognised by the British Safety Council

Be more active

• Take regular breaks – The sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors associated with chronic diseases. So take breaks every 30 minutes or so.
• Move more: Park further away from the office, take the stairs not the lift, get off the bus a stop earlier, use the toilets furthest away in the building, take a lunchtime walk (whatever the weather),try a walking outside meeting where possible.
• Desk exercises – For the smart phone/tablet users there are even apps (free) which give you advice.

Failing all the self help and the advice given which is aimed at keeping you out of trouble………almost all musculoskeletal pain is not serious and should be expected to swiftly and spontaneously resolve. However, if the pain/tension persists then it is wise to contact us – we can assess/diagnose/treat and/or advise accordingly in order to get you back on track.