Back Sense and Ergonomics   Ergonomics is the study of human characeristics and limitations that affect the design of equipment, environments, products, systems and jobs.  Back care techniques are ergonomic approaches that help people understand a 'how to perfom safely, effectively, and comfortably with the invironment'.   Whilst back care can not prevent people from injuring themselves we can educate the importance of good posture that can be obtained with a minimum of static effort.  Static effort is characterised by prolonged muscular contraction.   Activities should be provided, say in the form of stretche s and breaks at work eo allow tissue recovery and changes of posture so that different muscle groups are used.   Most people stand or sit at work.  Standing is more common where workers need to move around more frequently, such as in the service industries and in handling heavy or large objects when the muscles of the lower body are needed to exert force.   The standing position is more efficent, because little spinal muscular energy is required  but can lead to aching legs, oedema in the lower limbs and to immobility of the joints in the feet, knees and hips.  Therefore, a seated workplace is usually preferred, although prolonged sitting can increase the risk of back pain.  Sit-stand workplaces are sometimes a good compromise and dual-purpose seating is being developed for this purpose.   By overlooking these facts can again be a contributory factor in time being taken off work!   Manual handling, lifting and heavy physical work:  The European Community Directive guiding the reduction of manual handling risks (90/269/ECC) is implemented in the Uk through the Manual Handling Operations Regualtions (1992).  These regualtions are made under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).  Guidance is available through the Health and Safety Executive document L23 (1992).      Education on Pain:  Providing information on pain and the development of disability is key in addressing people's misperceptions about pain and tissue damage, often referred to as 'hurt versus harm'.  Topics discused at training events will includ basic back anatomy, diagnosis. pain gates and mechanisms of pain.  The overall message is to reinforce the fact that the spine is a strong structure and thatback pain does not mean catastrophic spinal damage has occurred, or is occuring and with the necessary education may be corrected or avoided.
	Willow Tree Clinic Limted Jeanette Buswell dip.P.T, S.T., I.I.H.H.T., FHT.,N.R.P.T.T. 4 Whitesands Way, Banbury Lane, Northampton, NN4 9QD Clinic: 08455 194414 Mobile: 07973 416459 email: JeanetteBuswell@WillowTreeclinic.co.uk   Website Powered by WSI Image Credits - HIGH DETAILED TREE SILHOUETTE ON WHITE BACKGROUND© Boroda | Dreamstime.com

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