Workplace injuries and ergonomics article index

In-depth articles on preventing workplace injuries with proper lifting technique, workplace ergonomics and ergonomic office chairs for good posture and back support

Snow removal techniques to prevent low back injuries
January 27, 2006
Winter low back pain from snow removal can be prevented with correct snow shoveling technique. These tips give pointers on finding the right shovel, proper shoveling posture, and exercises to relieve muscle strain. Read more...
By: Peter J. Schubbe, D.C.

Choosing the right ergonomic office chair
July 2, 2004
An ergonomic office chair provides for the lower back support, promotes good posture and helps alleviate back problems. This article offers guidelines for how to decide on the best office chair and introduces new office chair options for those who spend most of their time sitting at work. Read more...
By: Rodney K. Lefler, DC

Ten tips for improving posture and ergonomics
June 7, 2004
Poor posture can easily cause or aggravate episodes of back pain and over time damage spinal structures. This article offers guidelines to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for those who sit in an office chair for long hours. Read more...
By: Kelly Andrews, DC

Good posture helps reduce back pain
May 13, 2004
Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support stresses the spine, which over time can lead to changes in the anatomical characteristics of the spinal structures and back pain from problems with muscles, nerves, discs and joints. Read more...
By: John Schubbe, DC

Back support in office chairs
December 17, 2003
In the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded three times more than standing, and for many people sitting in an ergonomic office chair without back support either causes or exacerbates lower back pain and poor posture at home or in the workplace. Read more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD

Avoid back injury with the right lifting techniques
May 14, 2003
Avoiding a back injury when lifting requires more than just bending at the knees. It's also important to bend at the hips (not the lower back), keep the chest forward, lead with the hips (not the shoulders), and keep the weight close to one's body. Read more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT

Reducing back pain while sitting in office chairs
February 2002
Sitting for prolonged periods of time in an office chair can be a major cause of back pain. This article offers some important guidelines to help make sure that your work area and ergonomic office chair are as comfortable as possible and causes the least amount of stress to your spine. Read more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD

Back-to-Back: Ergonomic office chairs and back support
In this section, patients share their advice about finding a comfortable ergonomic office chair and using proper back support while sitting in office chairs for long periods of time. Be sure to submit your own response as a resource for other patients trying to find a good office chair! Read more...

Back Pain Radio transcript: Workplace ergonomics and office chairs
Workplace ergonomics are vital for a healthy back and for reducing back pain while sitting in office chairs. Read what John Triano, PhD, a Medical Advisor for Spine-health.com, and Grant Cooper, M.D., host of Back Pain Radio, had to say about lifting heavy objects and adjusting an office chair and workspace on the March 28, 2005 show.

Back Pain Radio transcript: Back pain and ergonomics
The proper workstation for your tasks can greatly reduce the strain on your back. Read what Dr. John Triano, D.C., an ergonomics expert, a chiropractor in Texas, and a Medical Advisor and contributing author for Spine-health.com, and Grant Cooper, M.D., host of Back Pain Radio, had to say about ergonomics and back pain on the May 2, 2005 show.

Take control of your back pain – Spine-health.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss (where appropriate). Read more...

Everyday ways to heal - Spine-health.com Newsletter
To help you manage your back or neck condition, here are several straightforward things you can do to help keep your back and neck healthy and minimize painful episodes. Especially important are using an ergonomic office chair for back support while sitting for long periods at a desk and paying attention to ergonomics at work. Read more...

Important back care reminders - Spine-health.com Newsletter
As you probably already know, the causes and treatment options for back pain are remarkably complicated. With this newsletter, we hope to make it easy for you to stay informed and up to date about pain management strategies that are available, such as ergonomic office chairs and gentle exercise. Read more...

The holidays and back pain -

Spine-health.com Newsletter

This newsletter provides several simple, helpful pointers on how to go through the holiday season when you’re suffering from chronic back pain, as well as a few gift ideas that may be helpful for anyone with back pain, such as an ergonomic office chair for good posture. Read more...

Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.