Lower back pain linked to workplace factors accounts for a third of all work-related disability worldwide, according to research led by the University of Sydney and conducted by an international team of researchers.
The research, published recently in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, aimed to assess the burden arising from lower back pain due to occupational exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
Lead author Professor Tim Driscoll, Sydney School of Public Health, said that lower back pain arising from ergonomic exposures at work is a major cause of disability.
I ? Word Understanding
Annals ? historical records
Ergonomic ? designing for people to feel comfortable and avoid stress and injury
II ? Have Your Say
1. Who are at risk?
The people most at risk were those who work in the agricultural sector, and those aged 35-65. However, low back pain is a problem for people in many occupations.
2. Natural Pain Relievers:
? Aerobic exercise makes the body release endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever
? Eating sweet foods (cookies, cake, ice cream, etc) helps reduce the sensation of pain.
? Heat therapy ? heat can supress pain signals being sent to the brain
226 Lower back pain responsible for a third of work-related disability
