Neck and back pain is a pervasive problem that is associated with chronic pain, disability, and high health care utilization. Neck and back pain costs the U.S. $88 billion a year—the third highest bill for any health condition. Sixty to 80 percent of adults will experience back pain sometime during their lifetime, and 20 to 70 percent will experience neck pain that interferes with their daily activities.

Workplace causes of upper back and neck pain include on-the-job heavy lifting, pulling or pushing, improper lifting techniques, poor posture, sitting all day, poor workspace design, and carrying a heavy workbag. Plus, like many health conditions, the effects of neck and back pain can be more severe in people who smoke or are overweight.

Tips for health promotion coordinators:  

• Train employees about proper lifting techniques and good posture for sitting positions.
• Allow and encourage employees to be more active during their time at work. Here are some ways:

* Create indoor and outdoor walking trails. Remember to promote them!

* Encourage walking meetings, standing, and a movement break during long meetings.
* Encourage periodic stretch and movement breaks by posting these free stretching posters.

• Check out this ergonomic checklist for computer workstations.
• Find out if your company is eligible for a freestanding workstation from Ergotron by e-mailing Mary.Berglund@ergotron.com.
• Consider providing backpacks or rolling workbags to your employees for free or at a reduced cost.

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Click here to read this month's E-tips for your employees titled "Prevention and self-care for neck and back pain."

To share these E-tips with employees:  

• Email the E-tips document to your staff as an attachment. 1) Click the link to download and save the E-tips to your computer. 2) Add your organization's logo in the bottom left corner. 3) Then send it as an email attachment to staff. 
• Or print the document once you've added your organization's logo and post it in a common area in your workplace.
• Or copy and paste the text into your organization's newsletter.

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