Top 5 Causes Of Back Pain At Work

April 28, 2022

If you’re regularly affected by back pain, you’re not alone. In fact, back pain is one of the most common medical problems in Malaysia!


Four out of five adults in Malaysia will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives!


While this can come from injury, activity, or a few medical conditions, back pain is often attributed to work — be it poor posture or improper use of force, there are plenty of causes of back pain that you really shouldn't ignore.


As back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons, let's investigate what causes back pain and how work injury back pains can be treated by physiotherapists!



Back Pain

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Back Pain At Work?New Paragraph

There are three main factors or categories that you can classify back pain caused from work:

  • Improper force

Exerting excessive force with your back muscles improperly. This is common when attempting to lift or move heavy objects

  • Unhealthy repetition of motion

While they may not be particularly dangerous movements, repeating specific movements that involve twisting or rotating your spine can potentially trigger or worsen back pain

  • Long periods of inactivity

This is the most common cause for office workers — a 9AM to 6PM (or more) desk job is particularly stressful for your back especially if paired with poor posture


With that, here are some common work tasks or conditions that are the main culprits of causing or worsening back pain:

  • Lifting heavy or bulky loads
  • Carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed
  • Pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads
  • Manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work
  • Repetitive tasks, such as packing products
  • Bending, crouching or stooping
  • Stretching, twisting and reaching
  • Being in one position for a long time
  • Working beyond your capability or when physically overtired
  • Working with display screen equipment (with poor posture)
  • Driving long distances or over rough ground, especially if the seat is not, or cannot be, properly adjusted or operating heavy equipment

How Can Physiotherapy Help Treat And Prevent Back Pain From Work?

A physiotherapist will be able to take a look at the above factors and causes to help you to identify what's the main cause of your back pain!


Once it has been identified, you can get started with pain management as well as back pain recovery.


Your physiotherapy sessions will normally involve a range of muscle exercises, learning safe movement patterns and identifying unhealthy movements and habits from your everyday life that can contribute to back pain.


An example of this includes:

  • Personalized exercise programs designed to improve your strength, range of motion, and function
  • Therapeutic manual therapy
  • Joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness
  • Hot and cold packs and modalities to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up the healing process, and improve movement and function
  • Airway clearance methods to assist people with breathing difficulties
  • Management of incontinence including pelvic floor re-education
  • Functional activity and tolerance testing and training
  • Work and occupational re-training and return to work planning
  • Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective devices and equipment


What Are A Few Simple Steps You Can Take To Prevent Back Pain At Work?

Apart from physiotherapy, taking small but meaningful steps to prevent or reduce back pain from work includes:

  • Pay attention to posture. Exercise good posture when sitting for long periods of time. This includes choosing a chair that supports your lower back and adjusting it so that its height allows your feet to rest flat on the floor.
  • Lift heavy objects properly. When attempting to lift or carry heavy objects, follow the right procedure or method by bending your knees and tightening your stomach muscles to do so. Utilise your leg muscles in order to support your body as you push your body upwards. Lastly, if it is too heavy to be lifted safely, get assistance!
  • Optimise your sitting posture and position. For those who work long hours at a computer, it is extremely helpful for things like monitors, keyboards, mousepads and chairs to be aligned and positioned in the right way.
  • Listen to your body. If you must sit for a prolonged period, change your position often. Periodically walk around and gently stretch your muscles to relieve tension.


Choose Well Rehab as your preferred physiotherapy centre to treat back pain in Malaysia

Back pain can seriously affect your quality of everyday life. At Well Rehab, we can help you recover and prevent from experiencing back pain or injury in the future with professional physiotherapy treatments.


As Malaysia's leading provider of physiotherapy services, we are the preferred, qualified and certified professionals that are trusted nationwide.


For more information about our therapies or services in Malaysia, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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