{"id":14789,"date":"2021-09-18T01:06:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-18T05:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theothershift.com\/?p=14789"},"modified":"2023-08-23T21:01:56","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T11:01:56","slug":"back-pain-after-12-hour-shift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theothershift.com\/back-pain-after-12-hour-shift\/","title":{"rendered":"Back Pain After A 12-Hour Shift: Find Relief Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure<\/strong><\/a> and <\/em>privacy statement<\/strong><\/em><\/a> for more info.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shift work has the potential to cause some severe health problems, especially when working a physically demanding job you have little control over. One of the largest complaints among shift workers who undertake a 12-hour shift is debilitating back pain. But why does it come about so frequently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back pain over a 12-hour shift is often caused by lifting objects incorrectly, poor posture and standing in one position for an extended period. To help decrease likely back pain, wear the right shoes, stretch before\/throughout\/after your shift, see a physical therapist, and invest in a Shakti Mat.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As we continue in this article, we\u2019re going to look at some of the leading causes of back pain in shift workers, especially those who work 12-hour shifts. In addition, we will share some very simple, easy measures you can take to greatly decrease the pain in your back and lower the chances of suffering back pain altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Effects From Standing for an Extended Period of Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One thing you might have noticed when being on shift is that standing in the same spot for multiple hours at a time can have a major effect on your body\u2019s health. This can go beyond even back pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, many studies have shown standing in a single position, without walking or sitting, for extended periods of time can cause other health issues such as varicose veins, muscular fatigue and cardiovascular disease, in addition to general back pain and neck stiffness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ironically enough, many of these issues are caused simply by the amount of effort from your muscles required to actually standstill, especially the muscles in your back, neck and legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing inhibits blood flow to the muscles which results in muscle fatigue. Though we don\u2019t realize it, standing in the same spot for hours is effectively the same as constantly walking for that same period. When you add to that heavy lifting or, in turn, constant bending, the fatigue on your muscles is increased causing a great deal of pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related:<\/strong> How to Relieve Foot and Leg Pain from Standing All Day<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Short-term pains such as cramps and aches are associated with standing for an extended period. This is due to the body not liking holding the same position over a long period. It\u2019s likened to a machine having to hold up a load for an extended period; this often leads to the machine breaking down at an accelerated rate. The same is true for your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re standing still for a long time, your muscles, mainly your back, are having to hold the same position and be strained while you\u2019re in that position, often with less blood flow. That\u2019s why moving and changing positions is often referred to as \u201cgetting the blood moving\u201d; that is essentially what you are doing when you change positions or walk for a few minutes at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, standing for an extended period has a large impact on your back\u2019s skeletal system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the discs in your back which cushion the vertebrae will degenerate causing the vertebrae to rub together. If this is happening in you you\u2019ll notice a dull, achy pain across the beltline of your lower back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another effect on your back\u2019s bones is when the soft tissues in your back are strained, the spine will often lose alignment. This will cause a sharp pain to shoot down your back and, as the period of time you are standing increases, so does the strain on these tissues, which causes them to break down even more.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When to See Your Doctor For Persistant Back Pain <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regrettably, back pain is considered to be a \u201chazard of the job\u201d by many, leading most shift workers to ‘solider on’ through the pain day after day. Unfortunately, this causes the pain to increase, which is a tall tale sign the condition causing the pain is getting worse. But when should you get your back pain checked out?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

If your back pain becomes constant, it\u2019s time to get it checked out. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

You should also investigate further if you notice the pain increases when you lie down or if it starts to spread down your leg. Other symptoms which should prompt you to see a doctor include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n