It is important that people with back pain return to work soon.

• The longer people stay off work, the greater their risk for long-term pain and disability.
• People at work tend to stay more active.
• They enjoy the social interaction of being at work.
• Their self-image is raised because they see themselves in a productive role.
• They sense that they are well, not ill.
• They find that their pain, though often annoying, is not disabling.

The physical parts of a job contribute to work-related back pain.

• People who deal with heavy loads often report more back pain and back injuries.
• Lifting is often blamed as a cause of back pain, but lifting itself is not necessarily a risk factor until other variables are added.
• Vibration of the whole body is a risk factor for back pain.
• Driving can be a risk if people drive more than half the work day, probably because of static sitting posture and the vibration from the vehicle.
• Sedentary work is considered a risk factor for work-related back pain.

Workers' attitudes factor into work-related back pain.

• Having a sense of low job satisfaction.
• Feeling unable to influence work conditions.
• Working in a stressful work setting.

You take an active role in improving the ergonomics of your work (or hobby) environment.

• Make simple adjustments to work benches and chairs.
• Get additional training and help to improve the arrangement of the workstation.
• Take part in the company's work fitness program.
• Become more physically fit.
• Take mini-breaks often.

A well-rounded physical fitness program is important.

• It addresses flexibility, strength, aerobic conditioning, and relaxation.
• The Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week.
• People who stay active and who work on flexibility, strength, and endurance seem better able to manage back pain once it strikes.
• People who are sedentary and unfit are subject to back trouble, along with a host of preventable diseases such as colon cancer, joint problems, and heart disease.

Certain symptoms should be reported to your supervisor or healthcare provider.

• Back discomfort that seems to be getting worse.
• Back pain that doesn't change when you rest or when you move around.
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
• Back pain that happens during a specific work task.
• Changes in bowel or bladder function.
• Pain that awakens you in the middle of the night.