Protecting Michigan’s Backbone: Essential Back Pain Prevention Strategies for Agricultural and Construction Workers

Michigan’s agricultural and construction communities form the backbone of the state’s economy, but these hardworking individuals face significantly higher risks of back pain and injury. Agriculture is one of the most physically demanding occupations, with farmers especially vulnerable to developing back problems due to their work frequently incorporating activities that are thought to be risk factors for developing low back pain. The construction industry, alongside transportation, has some of the highest incident rates of back injuries, with 25% of all construction-related injuries each year being back injuries.

The Scope of the Problem in Michigan’s Workforce

Nearly 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point, and it is second only to the common cold as a source of lost work time, making it the most common cause of disability in people under age 45. For Michigan’s outdoor workers, the statistics are even more concerning. Every year, a back injury causes 1 out of 100 construction workers to miss work – usually missing about seven workdays but sometimes more than 30.

Handling livestock, prolonged sitting to operate equipment, repetitive lifting, lifting objects overhead, and lifting heavy objects on uneven terrain can all result in short-term or chronic back pain and injury. Prolonged driving of vehicles such as tractors and trucks that cause whole body vibration, along with manual lifting of heavy objects like bales of hay, sacks of feed, or even animals, are the most commonly cited risk factors causing low back pain.

Essential Prevention Strategies for Outdoor Workers

Proper Lifting Techniques

Use help when lifting heavy objects and lighten loads, particularly if lifting things that are oddly shaped or may shift. Bend at the knees not at the back, and turn to face the object rather than twisting while lifting. Carry items close to the body. If materials weigh more than about 50 pounds, do not lift them by yourself. Get help from another worker or use a cart.

Equipment and Ergonomic Solutions

Use hydraulics and pneumatics (e.g., hoists) to lift heavy items whenever possible. Use long-handled tools to increase leverage and reduce the need to bend or reach. Carts and wheelbarrows are efficient when feeding animals or hauling heavy tools. When in the tractor seat, adjust the seat to position your thighs parallel to the floor.

Workplace Modifications

Consider installing mirrors or cameras in equipment to reduce the need to turn. Replace older equipment seat cushions with new ones that have adjustable lumbar support, arm rests and adjustable thigh support. Avoid working in awkward positions or standing for long periods of time. When changing directions turn with the feet, not at the waist, to avoid a twisting motion.

The Importance of Physical Preparation

Most people dive right into yard work without warming up their muscles. All it takes to warm up is a brief walk or march in place and a few arm and spine stretches. Warming up your body helps get the blood flowing, which makes your muscles more supple and prepared for the strain of the work ahead. Workers should be educated that muscles, tendons and ligaments are not prepared to meet the physical stress of handling tasks when they are not “warmed up.” Pulls, tears or cramps are more likely when stretched or contracted suddenly under such conditions. Warming up and mental readiness for physically demanding tasks are important for any kind of material handling.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough: Seeking Professional Care

Despite best prevention efforts, back pain can still occur. For Michigan’s agricultural and construction workers experiencing persistent back pain, seeking professional chiropractic care can be crucial. If you’re dealing with back pain bowne township residents and workers throughout the Grand Rapids area can find expert care at Chiropractic First.

Dr. Heath’s goal is not to hide the symptoms of pain but to understand their cause so that patients can live a healthier, more fulfilling life. He believes in a whole person focus to wellness and doesn’t treat symptoms but works to cure the underlying problem. At Chiropractic First in Wyoming, the main goal has always been to provide personalized chiropractic treatment at a reasonable price, utilizing the latest chiropractic techniques to promote faster recovery time with shorter treatment time.

Long-term Health Management

For workers already dealing with chronic back pain, the ideal treatment is a comprehensive approach that addresses a person’s physical, emotional and cognitive needs, with the first step always being to seek proper treatment from your healthcare provider. Additional steps include learning how to relax through deep breathing and other stress management techniques, setting achievable goals and not overdoing it on good days, engaging in positive self-talk, and building rest, exercise and relaxation times into your daily schedule.

Environmental Considerations for Michigan Workers

When material handling tasks are done outdoors, temperature conditions including the humidex (in hot weather) or wind-chill factor (in cold weather) have to be monitored very closely. Reduce tasks by half when the temperature exceeds 28°C, stop when it exceeds 40°C, restrict to the minimum possible when wind-chill drops below -25°C, and stop when wind-chill drops to -35°C.

Michigan’s agricultural and construction workers deserve to maintain their health while contributing to the state’s vital industries. By implementing these evidence-based prevention strategies, seeking appropriate professional care when needed, and making workplace modifications, these essential workers can protect their backs and continue their important work for years to come. Remember, addressing low back pain as part of a workplace prevention strategy can prevent additional workers from developing pain in the first place.