A recent study from the George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney have identified factors that
trigger back pain and, importantly, which ones are more dangerous.

“For example being fatigued triples the odds of developing immediate back pain, whereas distraction increases the odds by a factor of 25,”
Professor Chris Maher, a senior author on the paper said.

Back pain triggers included (ranked from most to least risky):

1. Distraction during a task
2. Manual tasks involving awkward postures
3. Manual tasks involving objects not close to the body
4. Manual tasks involving people or animals
5. Manual tasks involving unstable or unbalanced objects
6. Manual tasks involving heavy loads
7. Moderate or vigorous physical activity
8. Fatigue/tiredness

The study also busted popular myths: activities that were not found to trigger back pain included alcohol consumption and sexual activity.

Professor Maher said these results add to our understanding of how to prevent back pain.

“There are really three things people can do to reduce their risk of back pain.

“Firstly use your back wisely and we have shown here that even brief exposures can be harmful.

“Secondly adopt a healthy lifestyle: smoking, being overweight, prolonged sitting and/or and being physically inactive are bad for back health. 

“And lastly stress, either at home or work, seems to increase your chances of getting back pain.”

Contact your physiotherapist for more information about the causes of back pain, the treatment thereof and ways to prevent back pain.

From information released by the George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney.

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