Back Pain May Be More Common in Young Workers: Here’s Why

Contrary to popular belief, aging doesn’t have to mean an aching back. In a systematic review, this health issue could be more severe while you’re still young. The pain could also decrease as you age unless it’s already severe in the first place.

This information matters not only to you but also to the state of Utah. The Beehive State is home to a growing number of young adults and workers who may prefer to age in place.

If you’re suffering from back pain, it is only essential that you seek a back pain treatment in Orem, for example. The sooner you can manage it, the better are the outcomes later.

 

Why Are Workers and Young Adults Predisposed to Back Pain?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and bones are a growing concern in the United States. In 2012 alone, more than 126 million people suffered from it. Around 33% lived with either neck or back pain. More than 50% below 65 years old had been diagnosed with arthritis.

 

The question is why. Shouldn’t young ones have stronger, more flexible bodies? Many factors increase the risks of MSDs:

1. Prolonged Sitting

A worker can spend six to eight hours a day sitting, and it’s not only in their workstations. They rest when they commute or relax at home. Occasional sitting is relaxing, but a prolonged one can hurt in the long-term. It leaves the spine sore and restricts the blood flow toward the muscles that support the spine.

It also places pressure on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This pressure can increase the more you slouch on your seat. Long hours of sitting can also worsen weight gain and obesity due to sedentary behaviors. More weight can increase pressure on the joints and muscles.

 

2. Mobile Device Use

Those smartphones, laptops, and tablets can also increase the risk of MSDs as usage can disrupt your posture. When you look at a device, you tend to move your head forward and down. When you hold this position for some time, it puts significant strain on the neck and shoulders. Over time, this pressure will also affect the upper back. Depending on how you sit or stand, the strain will also include the lumbar or lower back.

 

3. Poor Lifestyle Choices

Lack of exercise and a bad diet can also aggravate back pain. According to data, not more than 5% of adults engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Up to 44% of seniors 75 years old and above are physically active. Surprisingly, though, the percentage was lower among the younger ones.

Meanwhile, the standard American diet is high in sodium, fat, added sugars, and preservatives. All of these can increase the risk of both obesity and inflammation. The latter is a risk factor for degenerative diseases, including arthritis.

The systematic review mentioned earlier proves one thing: back pain isn’t an automatic part of aging. You can live an excellent quality of life with reduced or free from pain. These days, you have plenty of options, from medications to therapies. One back pain treatment in Orem is spinal decompression therapy.

 

It can help reduce the pressure on the spine and reduce discomfort from bulging discs. It can also accelerate healing as it can allow more blood to flow toward the affected areas. The secret is not to delay treatments. Get help while you’re still young and have more time to heal.