What Hurts Your Back Can Hurt the Economy
According to a report released last February by the Office for National Statistics or ONS entitled Sickness Absence in the Labour Market, about 131 million days have been lost in the UK due to sickness absences since 2011. Although the most common reasons cited by workers for their absences were minor illnesses like colds, coughs and flu, it is worthwhile to mention that most workers bounce back from these illnesses quickly with regular tissue therapy.
Compare that to musculoskeletal disorders like back pain, which tend to linger longer and recur occasionally. Absences due to these conditions account for about a quarter or 35 million days of the 131 million days lost.
Another study published by The Work Foundation, an independent research group, revealed that in October 2013, the UK economy was losing roughly £15 billion due to absenteeism caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
Sitting on a time bomb
If you ask a therapist, he’ll likely tell you that almost anyone can succumb to back pain. However, some sectors have workers who are more prone to suffering from this condition due to the demands of their jobs. These include factory workers, nurses, construction workers, and office workers.
Numerous factors may cause back pain in the context of work. Three of the most common are force, repetitive movements, and poor posture. These factors can be further compounded by obesity, smoking, stress, poor sleeping posture, and lack of physical activity.
An Ounce of Prevention
Fortunately, preventing back pain in the workplace can be easily prevented, although you may need to be mindful of certain things and modify your routines.
Firstly, consider engaging in more physical activities, especially as an office worker. Excess weight can take a severe toll on your back, and losing the extra baggage you carry can help minimize back pain. Even walking a few minutes a day can be beneficial, although opting for an exercise regimen that strengthens the core muscles is preferable.
Be mindful of how you stand and sit. Choose a chair that provides lumbar support whenever possible and sit with your feet planted firmly on the ground. You can also place a pillow on your back instead of lumbar support.
When lifting heavy objects, initiate the motion with your knees, paying close attention to your core and the natural arch of your back. Whenever possible, ask another person for help or use a lifting device.
An alternative to medications and invasive procedures
When dealing with back pain, you do not have to rely on drugs or invasive treatments. You can return from this condition with chiropractic and physical therapy through regular massage.
Numerous studies indicate that regular massage therapy sessions help patients improve their well-being. Specifically, this treatment method can improve blood circulation, which can hasten recovery, improve range of motion, aid in relaxing the muscles, and release endorphins, which help patients manage chronic pain.
When choosing a massage therapist for your back pain, opt for one who offers bespoke treatments that utilize various techniques. Your therapist should also be well-versed in structural imbalances, including core distortion, which may cause back pain.
Awareness of this concept can lead to a more effective treatment centred on relieving pain and, more importantly, the possible root cause.
Treating specific back pain with the help of a massage therapist
Nowadays, more and more people are complaining of back and shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal problems. The daily grind of work can take its toll on the body and may manifest as aches and disorders that simple rest cannot address.
It is an undeniable fact that many people are workaholics who don’t even bother to consult with chiropractors, orthopaedists, or neurologists and would instead prefer to take medication to alleviate the pain. However, this doesn’t consider the bigger picture and is a Band-Aid solution to a more serious problem.
A work-centric way of living will likely lead to problematic back symptoms that can interfere with a daily routine. However, these cases are prevalent; treatment is icky because of the lack of knowledge. Over-the-counter medicine will only relieve pain for a few days; a massage therapist can release tense muscles and joints, which may work short-term, but the symptoms are most likely to recur.
However, massage therapy can still be utilized to rehabilitate underlying problems. There are instances wherein pain is caused by body misalignment or anatomical factors. A massage therapist can address this by working the body to achieve structural balance. Many people experiencing discomfort head to a spa to experience a body massage. There are many options in London, but perhaps the most important thing is to select the type of massage that can help or aid you in treating the specific cause of your pain.
Functional short/long leg
Chronic pain is a symptom of a more significant problem. Usually, the cause is easily detected by observing which part of the body has a limited range of motion or is formed incongruently. Another reason for this can be a structural imbalance, which impairs function and causes stress. Core distortion, for example, is an imbalance of the ilium and sacrum, which is common and may be acquired since birth. This results in conditions called “functional long leg” or “functional short leg”, manifesting weakness and pain. Treatment involves soft tissue therapy and strengthening of the joints, which can be achieved with massage. This will bring the structural balance to its normal function and create a long-term solution to chronic pain.
Anterior pelvic tilt
Massage can also help relieve lumbopelvic pain caused by anterior pelvic tilt, a postural or structural problem. This happens when the pelvis is not aligned and is frequently forced to carry the upper body’s weight, like when sitting or picking up and lifting heavy objects. Massage therapy contributes to the relief of this disorder by reducing tightness in the lumbar extensor muscles and iliopsoas. Massage techniques focusing on these points will relieve tension and stress, leading to comfort and relaxation.
