Is It Normal To Feel Back Pain After Construction Work?
It started off light but now, it feels like a steamroller wouldn’t be enough to crack your back. Carrying heavy loads and spending hours on your feet can quickly make aches and pains routine. Occasional soreness might seem normal, but ongoing or worsening pain isn’t something you should ever ignore. Here’s the lowdown on your low back pain.
Common Causes Of Back Pain In Construction Work
- Improper form: Bending awkwardly, twisting your torso, or using your back instead of your legs when lifting heavy materials can pull muscles or strain your spine, causing lasting pain even after you clock out.
- Equipment defects: Working in unnatural positions with faulty tools or machinery means your body compensates by twisting or bending incorrectly, putting extra pressure on your spine. Over time, this strain adds up, causing persistent aches and pains.
- Long hours: Standing on hard surfaces for hours at a time puts constant pressure on the spine. Your back muscles tighten to keep you upright, and the relentless impact from standing all day eventually compresses spinal discs.
- Slip hazards on site: Even if you catch yourself before hitting the ground, the sudden jolt or jerking motion from a near fall can overstretch muscles or misalign your spine, resulting in pain that might not surface until later.
- Inadequate breaks: Without periodic rests, your muscles remain tense and overworked. Continuous strain without recovery means minor discomfort can escalate into chronic pain, making every workday harder than the last.
- Lack of ergonomic protective gear: Your site safety gear should absorb shock and reduce stress on your back. Without it, each heavy lift hits your spine directly, turning discomfort into serious pain that could leave you out of work for weeks.
Is Low Back Pain Treatable?
Most back pain can be treated with a simple home remedy like rest and ice packs. In worse cases, you might need structured physical therapy or chiropractic care, and in the worst case, surgical interventions. Those treatments can get pretty expensive really quick, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover it or if the injury is severe enough to require ongoing care. Don’t wait until your low back pain becomes unbearable and costs escalate.
Tips To Prevent Low Back Pain For Construction Workers
- Lift Smart: Always bend your knees, maintain a straight back, keep the load close to your body, and use your leg muscles to lift.
- Stretch Daily: Incorporate quick stretching routines before, during, and after your shifts or DIY builds to “preheat” your joints and tendons.
- Wear Proper Gear: Invest in supportive footwear with good cushioning, and consider using back braces to provide extra support.
- Report Hazards: Immediately inform your supervisors about unsafe working conditions, such as slippery floors, unstable scaffolding, or faulty equipment.
- Use Safety Equipment: Take advantage of safety harnesses, dollies, forklifts, and lifts designed specifically to prevent workplace injuries.
Careless Accident Or Employer Negligence?
Back injuries aren’t part of the job. Florida employers have a clear duty to maintain safe workplaces. Ignoring essential safety guidelines, such as failing to secure scaffolding, neglecting proper training, or not providing necessary safety equipment can directly cause low back injuries.
Reference Link:
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview
