Direct Link Between Stress and Back Pain

Researchers at Ohio State University claim to have found a direct link between back pain and stress in the workplace.

Volunteers were asked to carry out heavy manual work under supervision and some groups of volunteers were seen to resort to poor lifting technique when placed under pressure. Over time, this could lead to serious injuries and conditions.

The students were first interviewed and divided into distinct personality types. Introverts and those who disliked repetitive tasks altered their behaviour when placed under pressure and would be more likely to develop back problems. More outspoken types were less likely to react to stressful conditions. Back pain is still one of the major causes of absenteeism in the UK and previous research suggests certain personality types are more likely to report back pain.

Sunday, 3 December 2000