Major research findings

Multiple studies highlight the prevalence of back injuries in various professions, with a strong correlation between job duties and risk. For instance, nurses experience a heightened risk of back injuries due to frequent patient lifting. 6 Similarly, firefighters face a greater risk of back injuries due to the nature of their work, which involves lifting and carrying heavy equipment. 11 These studies emphasize that job responsibilities and the physical load they impose significantly influence the likelihood of back injury.

Reasons for the cause

Back injuries can result from lifting heavy objects, maintaining awkward postures while working, or prolonged desk work. 14 20 17 7 These activities put stress on the spine, muscles, and ligaments, causing pain and inflammation.

Common causes

Lifting heavy objects

Lifting heavy objects can place considerable strain on the back muscles and ligaments, increasing the risk of back injury. 24 17 Especially when lifting heavy objects improperly, the risk of back injury is higher.

Body rotation

Lifting heavy objects or working while rotating the body can exert significant pressure on the spine and lumbar muscles, increasing the risk of back injury. 26

Prolonged desk work

Prolonged desk work involves maintaining the same posture for extended periods, which can cause lumbar muscle fatigue and reduced blood circulation, potentially leading to back pain and numbness. 8

Vibration-related work

Work involving vibrations can put stress on the spine and lumbar muscles, increasing the risk of back injury. 16

Sports

Sports activities involve high physical stress, increasing the risk of back injury. 23 Specifically, intense exercise and sports with repetitive movements can lead to back injuries.

Countermeasures for the cause

Lifting heavy objects

When lifting heavy objects, maintaining proper posture and avoiding excessive burden is crucial. Utilizing machinery and tools or collaborating with others can help reduce the burden on the back. 17

Body rotation

When working while rotating the body, avoid exceeding your limits. Additionally, reconsidering the order and methods of work to reduce the need for body rotation can be effective.

Prolonged desk work

During prolonged desk work, taking regular breaks, changing postures, and performing light stretches are crucial. Adjusting the height of the chair and desk can help improve posture.

Vibration-related work

When performing vibration-related work, wearing anti-vibration gloves and mats can reduce vibration transmission to the body.

Sports

When participating in sports, ensuring adequate warm-up and body flexibility is essential. Maintaining correct form during exercise and applying appropriate loads are also important. 23 27

Comparison among studies

Common points of the studies

Many studies indicate that actions such as lifting heavy objects, body rotation, and work involving vibrations increase the risk of back injuries. 14 20 24 17 26 11 These studies suggest that avoiding these actions or taking measures to reduce their burden is crucial for preventing back injuries.

Differences between studies

Each study varies in its target occupation, type of sport, research methods, and so on, leading to different results. For instance, studies focusing on nurses indicate that patient lifting actions are a major cause of back injuries. 6 Conversely, studies involving firefighters reveal that working while wearing heavy equipment is a primary cause of back injuries. 11

Precautions for applying to real life

These research findings can be applied to prevent back injuries in everyday life. For instance, when lifting heavy objects, maintain correct posture and avoid excessive burden. Also, during prolonged desk work, take regular breaks, change postures, and perform light stretches.

Limitations of current research

These studies primarily focus on specific occupations and sports types, limiting their generalizability. Additionally, research methods and sample sizes have limitations, necessitating further research.

Future research directions

Conducting research encompassing diverse occupations and sports types is crucial for comprehensively analyzing risk factors for back injuries. Moreover, developing and validating intervention methods with potential back injury prevention effects is vital.

Conclusion

Back injuries can be caused by various factors. Lifting heavy objects, body rotation, prolonged desk work, and vibration-related work have been identified as increasing the risk of back injury. Preventing back injuries requires avoiding these actions or taking measures to reduce their burden. These research findings can be applied to prevent back injuries in everyday life. However, further research is needed.