Contribution of Osteopaths to Team GB in Athletics World Championship 2019

Tags – Work Related Back Issues

Before the days of technology integration within the labour market, employees had a mostly manual role.

In particular, the role of the employee in the pre-tech era involved extensive movement and standing on the feet for most parts of the working days. However, the role of employees has been changing.

Today, technology and machines are replacing the need for the traditional labour market. For example until the 1980’s, at the BMW HQ plant in Munich, manufacturing the vehicles was completed through machinery, operated directly by people. Most of this machinery was heavy and dangerous from a human contact perspective. In addition, because of the weights and movement involved, there was also a higher chance of physical injuries, e.g. muscle strains and back pain.

However, this does not mean that the labour force is completely out of trouble today. Simply, the dangers of working have just changed.

The Health Dangers Today

Today we have a very different problem.

It is true that technology has allowed the work environment to become safer, where machines are controlled by computer programing. In addition, using computer programs also leads to a decrease in errors, while also improving organisational productivity as a whole. However, having said that, today, in general, people are sitting behind a desk more often than advised.

On a positive note, actions have been suggested to tackle this modern problem.

The Standing Desk Revolution

Research suggests that sitting for long periods of time damages the back, along with other possible health issues.

Therefore, at least the major companies are giving their workforce options, in the grand scheme of improving work conditions. In particular, CSR, for instance, is a growing consideration for companies like Google and Apple. And, CSR is taking a shape more comprehensive than social behaviours and as a result, extending to physical health and related dimensions too.

Therefore, along the lines of CSR, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple made standing desks readily available for all staff members. This introduction of standing desks is a positive initiative. However, the need for physical support, at an organisational level, is a continuous one.

The Need for Continued Support

Technology is becoming an integrated part of our lives; not just the business and economy.

And, this is not an empty sentence anymore.

The proof for the above statement is in how the local authorities and ventures are spending their funds – mostly in tech. This continued spending in tech then means that the role of the employee is also transforming.

Therefore, it is important that employees get the necessary support. This support can be translated into anything from encouraging regular breaks, to promoting timely physical activity for a balanced staff life.

In addition, sports and other movement activities is a fantastic practice to strengthen the physical, and in turn mental health to a considerable degree. If we are being too literal, for instance in terms of a healthy back, having a healthy back has been connected with healthy living, from a research perspective.

It is interesting to note here that, even though men are considered to be physically stronger, in truth, women have stronger spines. This stronger spine is one possible reason for why women live longer. Therefore, it is important that you put being a ‘man’ aside and work on that spine harder.

And, if you want some tech to help you stay ahead here, any measuring device, e.g. a Fitbit, can be a nice addition to your daily life.

And, if you would like to consult for any back issues, please be reminded that we are the leading back pain clinic in Leicester. So, get in touch and you will be in safe hands.