It would be too good if a visit to the doctor could eliminate all back pain with just one tablet. But the problem is often more protracted. If you want to prevent or eliminate back problems and pain permanently, you have to take action yourself.
The doctor can relieve the pain with medication or prescribe physiotherapy. However, the only long-term solution is to do something about the problems yourself on a regular basis.
Many people put a lot of strain on their backs because of their job. The result of heavy loads are long-term back problems. These can be prevented. There are many ways to prevent back problems, from lifting and carrying loads correctly to back training.
We list some of the possibilities here.
Lifting and carrying loads properly has to be learned.
Lifting and carrying is not only done within one's own four walls. Especially in the workplace, the back is required to perform at its best. If you are not careful, you can quickly develop back problems or even long-term back pain.
One-sided and monotonous body movements as well as heavy lifting and carrying can be very stressful for employees. Added to this is incorrect posture, which causes discomfort. Stress, sitting too long and tense or weak muscles promote the complaints. Common symptoms: back complaints in the lower lumbar region or in the upper cervical region. There are hardly any "wrong" movements for the back. Painful consequences depend on how resilient the body is. You should vary your movements as much as possible instead of taking it easy. A restful posture often has the opposite effect and increases the pain.
Aids at the workplace
Forklifts, pallet trucks and cranes make it easier for us to transport and lift goods such as boxes, plates, sacks, buckets, canisters and cartons. Packed in many cases on Euro pallets, these can be moved quickly and easily.
But the pallets also have to be packed. Even if the individual items to be lifted can still be carried, it can become very strenuous and stressful in the long run. Especially long-term one-sided movements often cause back problems.
Together it can be easier and faster, but a helping hand is not always at hand. We at Timmer have recognised this problem and have developed ideal solutions for you. We are happy to customise our equipment and products for you.
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How to relieve your back when lifting and carrying loads
Basically, a trained back can better adapt to the stresses of everyday life and work. Muscles relieve the spine and cause a healthy posture. Therefore, proper training, muscle building and stretching is the key.1. avoid loads Check whether lifting and carrying loads is possible with the help of aids or whether your colleagues can help you at work.
2. use technical aids Use standing aids, lift trucks or lifting aids. These make the workplace back-friendly.
3. back training Make sure you use the correct technique. For example, keep your back straight and exercise and stretch muscles.
4. train your back Regular muscle building and stretching stabilises the entire back and lumbar region.
5. variety, rest and breaks Avoid monotonous movements, take regular breaks and use them for back exercises. Treat yourself to a massage.
6 Avoid stress Mental and physical health are closely linked. Avoid time pressure and optimise your work processes.
Many health insurance companies subsidise sports courses and back courses.
These are just a few tips for a healthy back.
Of course, it is best to avoid lifting and carrying heavy loads. There are many solutions for this, especially in the workplace, which make work easier.
Working people value a healthy workplace. Good working conditions, along with sufficient sleep and a balanced diet, are a cornerstone of one's health. Especially in industrial workplaces, ergonomic working is an important factor in increasing employee satisfaction and counteracting the shortage of skilled workers. As a small side effect, the employer's reputation is even strengthened if it provides a pleasant working environment.
Sack trucks, pallet trucks, cranes are just a few examples that can make life easier in the truest sense of the word.
With its timLIFT series, Timmer GmbH offers a number of solutions that are not only easier on the back, but also enable more effective working. The quality of work can be maintained at a consistently high level and without any discomfort.
Would you like advice on the ergonomic design of industrial workplaces or how you can prevent back pain among employees? Contact us - we will be happy to support you.
Insider tip
The German pension insurance offers a free training programme with its RV fit programme.
The DSV offers three different programmes:
1. exercise (muscle building training, endurance training, workplace-related ergonomics advice)
2. nutrition (nutritional advice, cooking together, shopping tips)
3. dealing with stress (stress management, relaxation exercises) Strengthen your employees and reduce sick leave.
In addition, some health insurance companies offer courses, some of which are even free of charge. As the range of courses on offer is constantly changing, we recommend that you enquire directly with your health insurance provider.
The health insurance companies offer many online and live courses on the topics of exercise, fitness, nutrition and stress reduction.
