Anyone who has to stand for some or all of their shift at work is probably intimately familiar with back aches. That’s because standing for prolonged periods of time can put stresses on the back, as well as other areas of the body, causing the familiar soreness and stiffness.
Backaches can happen to anybody, regardless of their age, weight, physical condition, or even the amount of time you stand.
Common Causes of Backaches
Most backaches are actually caused by stress — specifically, the tension your muscles experience while working to keep your body upright.
Standing in one position for a long period of time — anywhere from an hour to an entire shift — causes muscles to fatigue. This can lead to tendon and ligament damage, which is what causes the pain associated with backaches.
Unless you occasionally rest your body, your backaches will likely worsen. In fact, if you stand in the same position long enough, it can even cause the joints from your neck all the way down to your feet to temporarily lock up.
Posture and Fitness
There are some physical solutions to combatting backaches. If you use proper posture — in other words, standing up straight and tall as often as possible — there’s no guarantee that your back won’t get sore, but it may not happen as quickly.
Poor posture, the other hand, such as slouching your shoulders and holding your hip flexors too tight, can increase the stress on your lower back.
Similarly, the better physical condition you are in, the less likely you are to experience backaches as quickly. Conversely, being out of shape and overweight can cause backaches to occur more quickly and more frequently.
Equipment to Help Avoid Backaches
Back supports can help prevent injury while lifting, but they are less effective at preventing backaches caused by prolonged standing. On the other hand, they probably won’t hurt.
A better solution is to buy high-quality, supportive boots or shoes. Women should avoid wearing heels if they have to stand for any prolonged period of time.
Both men and women should opt for footwear that is sturdy, comfortable, and have room for insoles or orthotics.
An anti-fatigue mat can also help prevent backaches from happening as quickly or as severely. Anti-fatigue mats provide a soft yet supportive, anti-slip surface that can make you feel as if you are standing on a cloud.
You don’t have to learn to live with backaches anymore.