When WFH Causes Back Pain

For most people, the push to work from home is more about scheduling freedom than anything. Research shows that people are just as productive, if not more, when working remotely compared with a traditional office setting. However, a drawback of working from home is that most individuals don’t have a workspace designed with ergonomics in mind. Over time, hunching over a kitchen table in a dining chair, or sitting on a couch, can lead to sacroiliac (SI) pain. When such pain occurs, is a sacroiliac joint fusion necessary?

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What is an ergonomic workspace?

The term ergonomics refers to maintaining proper body alignment in any scenario. People are surprised to learn that desk jobs can lead to long-term back problems because of poor posture. For many individuals, the chair is not at the right height for the desk, or the armrests may not allow a person to adjust for a more parallel placement. Meanwhile, if the chair is too high or low, uncomfortable pressure can form on the legs and sacroiliac, leading to hip and lower back pain.

SI pain defined

The sacroiliac is a critical joint where the last portion of the spine, known as the sacrum, meets the ilium in the pelvis in the lower back. When the connection becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is known as sacroiliitis and is characterized as discomfort that occurs in the lower back, hips, thighs, or buttocks. Often, the pain intensifies after extended periods of sitting or standing and can feel dull, sharp, achy, or stabbing. Although pregnancy and injury are common causes, poor posture from a shoddily designed workspace can also be a contributing factor.

Improving the workplace

For people with desk jobs, prioritizing an ergonomic workspace is the best way to avoid developing sacroiliitis. If necessary, invest in accessories like a foot wedge or wrist pad to prevent dangling legs or holding the arms above the keyboard. Select a good chair and ensure the back is in a neutral position. Consider investing in a U-shaped seat cushion to minimize pressure on the spine. Take frequent breaks to get up and stretch when possible.

When to see a doctor

Sometimes even the best workspace design can’t completely prevent back pain from occurring. In some cases, pain management might be all that’s needed. An over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication or a professionally administered steroid injection may relieve the pain. However, physicians may limit the number of injections a person can receive annually. For some people, a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure may be the best solution.

Fusing the joints

An SI joint fusion is a quick procedure that takes no more than 45 minutes to complete. The sacrum and ilium will be fused during the surgery. The process is considered a minimally invasive operation and is ideal for individuals that experience debilitating pain from an injured sacroiliac joint. For most patients, normal activities can resume in a few weeks. Typically, the treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day.

Don’t suffer in silence

Ergonomics matter, and having a workspace that minimizes pain is critical whether working from home or in a traditional office setting. However, in some cases, a comfortable chair and proper desk setup aren’t enough to prevent lower back pain from interfering with everyday life. While some people can find relief with OTC pain relievers or a steroid injection, other individuals may need to consider an SI joint fusion treatment. Don’t suffer in silence. If lower back pain negatively affects daily life, speak to a physician.