Step 10: Change your work habits

Return to Index Step 1: What Is Low Back Pain?Step 2: Know Your Back Anatomy Step 3: Causes of Low Back Pain Step 4: Are You At Risk?Step 5: What To Do When Pain Begins Step 6: Seeing Your Doctor Step 7: What Tests Might Be Ordered?Step 8: When Is Low Back Pain A Serious Sign?Step 9: Exercise and Physical Therapy Step 10: Change Your Work Habits Step 11: Medications Step 12: Other Treatments Key Points MedTest Glossary

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The ways that you move, stand, and sit affect your back.

Standing

Maintaining good posture is very important. This means keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line. You should use your eyes to look straight ahead, which will keep the head and neck in the right position. The stomach should be relaxed. This is important when you are sitting as well.
Don't stand for long periods of time. If you must for your work, try using a low stool. Alternate resting each foot on it.

Walking

If your work requires you to walk a lot:

Wear shoes without heels.
Use a cushioned sole.

Sitting

Look for the following in your work chair:

Straight back for proper alignment.
Adjustable seat and back. People are different shapes and sizes. Being able to adjust the length of your chair, as well as the location relative to your computer monitor, can make a big difference.
One that swivels so that you don't have to twist from your waist
Armrests to take a load off your back.

Also,

While sitting, try to place your knees higher than your hip. Use a stool under your feet.
A small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or driving for long periods can relieve pressure.

Driving

Move your seat as far forward as possible. This keeps you from bending forward.
Don't recline the seat any more than a 30-degree angle.
Stop and walk around every hour.
Try not to lift heavy objects just after your ride.

Review Date: 6/29/2011
Reviewed By: Andrew W. Piasecki, MD, Camden Bone and Joint, LLC, Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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