If you have chronic neck or back pain and are in the workforce, you should consider your job as the culprit. Here’s First State Spine’s list of the top workplaces contributing to neck pain.  Did your workplace make the list?

  1. Truck Driver: This occupation is not a good choice for someone with neck pain. Driving for long periods of time puts pressure on the spine.  There is little time to move or stretch. Our experienced physicians here at First State Spine all agree truck drivers have some of the highest rates of cervical spine pain due to the lack of movement and outrageous hours.
  2.  Manufacturing: The repetitive movements and long hours standing or sitting in one position contribute to this job making the list. On an assembly line? This usually means you have little to no control over your breaks. All these factors are not good for people with chronic neck pain and often are the underlying reason behind the pain.
  3. Landscapers and Gardeners: All gardeners task involve lifting, reaching, bending, and stooping. Repetitive movement leads to neck pain. Gardening also requires repetitive use of the hands, which can result in thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is nerve and blood vessel compression between the neck and shoulder.
  4. Construction Workers: Employees who work at a construction site spend a lot of time lifting, bending, and carrying. The repetitive work and lifting all day cause strain. There is also a high risk for falling amongst construction workers. Spine injuries from falls could cause disability or chronic pain.
  5. Retail Workers: Whether you are in grocery or working at a department store, retail is tough on your body.  Reaching, turning, and lifting not to mention spending most of your time on your feet all contribute to neck and back pain.
  6. Auto Mechanics: Auto mechanics also made our list of jobs that cause back pain. It is no secret that mechanics work in awkward positions all day every day. Bending over to work under car hoods and sliding under cars contribute to neck pain.
  7. Nurses & Nursing Home Staff: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports close to 80% of all back and shoulder injuries result from moving patients. Caring and transferring patients is physically demanding. Lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, and turning all contribute to neck and back pain.
  8. Desk Job Employees: Sitting at a desk all day can be a major cause of neck problems. In addition, the majority of people with desk jobs spend their time sitting without moving for hours. When a person is sedentary for hours at a time it results in chronic pain; so it is not a surprise that desk jobs made our list!Changing your occupation may not be an option, but there are steps you can take to help manage your neck or back pain. Follow us on Facebook for helpful tips from our very own Dr. Z!If you have back pain or back problems, make an appointment with one of First State Spine’s specialists for recommendations on which exercise program would be best for you.

    It’s time to get a handle on your spine health and live free of pain! However, always check with your physician to see if these tips are safe to follow based on your health history.