The Second Leading Cause of Lost Work

Lower spine injuries and dysfunction is the second leading cause of lost work in adults and the greatest cost expenditure for adults from 30′s through 70 years of age.  But who does it affect most?

It is no surprise to anyone that carpenters, moving men and plumbers have high rates of spine and low back injuries.  Lifting heavy loads, long hours, and awkward tasks can be a recipe for disaster.  You’ve probably got a mulch project in the yard this weekend.  Picture how a landscaper feels after his or her week.

It turns out, however, the white collar worker is no better off.  Research shows that there is as much spine and low back episodes between blue as white collar workers.  While this may surprise you that accountants and lawyers are as beat up as guys that haul garbage cans, think about this question.

Are we as humans built to carry and lift and move objects, or sit with our rear in an office chair all day? If you think the former, you are right.  Take a look back at our blog post on Galen Cranz’ review of “The Chair.”  A fascinating review of the history of sitting, she makes a compelling argument that sitting is truly an unnatural position for humans.

So check out this blog post reviewing her book to see why office workers have just as high rates of low back and spine problems as those doing heavy-duty blue collar work.  It turns out that we are designed to move, and move carrying heavy things, more so than move around while parked in our office chair.

To learn more, attend the End Lower Back Problems Forever, Wednesday, May 1st, in the Beverly Cummings Center room 221E, with Dr. Stephen Franson.  Start time 6:45PM.