How Remote Work Is Causing Back Pain

In the past few years, remote work has grown in popularity and proven more productive than in-office environments. Along with reduced commutes for employees, businesses often save in overhead since workspaces are no longer required. However, working remotely can come with some health risks. In particular, people attempting to turn kitchen tables and bedrooms into makeshift office spaces often forget to prioritize ergonomics. Countless days spent curled over a kitchen table or trying to work from a bed can lead to back pain.

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An ergonomic environment

For all workers, ergonomics denotes proper body alignment to prevent aches and pains. Ergonomics doesn’t just refer to back alignment but any structure in the body. Not using a supportive chair, failing to ensure that the height ratio between a chair and desk is optimized, and improper computer placement can all lead to back pain over time. Areas that are often affected are the legs and sacroiliac vertebra in the back, which can cause lower back and hip pain.

Sacroiliac pain defined

The sacroiliac (SI) is the last segment of the spine in the lower back that meets where the sacrum and ilium bones in the pelvis are located. If the area is irritated or inflamed, people can develop sacroiliitis, leading to pain in the hips, lower back, buttocks, or thighs. The irritation can be intense if an individual spends too long standing or sitting. The discomfort is often described as sharp, dull, achy, or stabbing. Pregnancy can cause sacroiliitis, but most often, poor posture associated with workspaces that aren’t ergonomic is the primary contributing factor.

When ergonomics aren’t enough

Whether because of repetitive actions or other reasons, some people may not be able to control sacroiliac pain by simply revamping a workspace. Pain management with over-the-counter (OTC) medication or corticosteroid injections can sometimes help. For more persistent cases, a physician may recommend a person undergo a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure to control pain and minimize symptoms.

What is SI joint fusion?

Sacroiliac joint fusion is usually a fast procedure that takes less than an hour to perform. During the outpatient surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will fuse the sacrum and ilium to reduce irritation. The process is considered minimally invasive and is typically recommended when the pain in the SI joint significantly interferes with daily life. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

Speak up about back pain

An ergonomically sound workspace is critical whether a person works remotely or in an office. However, for some people, more serious medical interventions may be necessary. For less severe cases, options such as OTC pain relievers, icing the joints, or even steroid injections are sufficient. In more serious scenarios, an SI joint fusion might be the best option. If low back pain isn’t improving after attempts to manage discomfort independently, consider speaking to a healthcare provider.