Retail workers suffer more pain than office workers, according to a recent pain index from German pain management specialists. This may come as no surprise to anyone who works in a retail environment and is on their feet for hours at a time or carrying out repetitive tasks. This type of occupation can lead to chronic pain or make existing chronic conditions far worse.
Identify the Source of Chronic Pain to Treat It
Not surprisingly, profession plays a major role in the existence or development of chronic pain. Gender and age add their own complications. Some of the findings in the German research, which surveyed nearly 8,000 sufferers of chronic pain:
- Women experience more pain than men.
- Lower back pain is the most common type of chronic pain.
- Male retail workers experience the most pain and more pain than office workers.
- Female laborers suffer the most pain and more pain than office workers.
There are variations on these findings, of course: Male office workers were found to have more lower back pain and female office workers more head pain than retail workers and laborers.
Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain are the four most common areas of pain. Recognizing patterns between a person’s profession and the areas of their body that are most affected by pain allows individuals in the high-risk groups – such as retail workers – to work with their functional medicine team to take preventive measures to lead a healthy life without pain.
Chronic Pain from Generation to Generation
The researchers were also interested in how lifestyle changes over the past 50 years have impacted chronic pain conditions. They looked at age-related pains, as well as how generations live differently and take care of themselves differently.
Neck pain is more frequent among the younger people surveyed – perhaps because of more time spent hunched over a screen, whether you work in retail, at a desk, or otherwise. Digital usage is unavoidable, and the body is twisted, turned, or set in a static position, often unconsciously, to use digital devices.
Body mass index (BMI) should also be considered as a notable lifestyle shift for the latest generations. High BMI, much more common in today’s culture, is a cause and symptom of some chronic pain. A body is stressed by having to carry extra weight, and this can cause aches and pains in even the unlikeliest of places.
Treating Chronic Pain in Retail Workers and More
Medications can mask chronic pain, but they do not completely minimize or eliminate the suffering. Far too many people are dependent on prescription drugs to ease their pain, when the focus should be on improving lifestyle. Altering habits to be healthier will not only ease chronic pain, but improve other areas of health and wellness.
A healthy and balanced diet can treat and prevent pain. Proper nutrition feeds the bones, joints, and muscles. No matter what kind of career you have, eating on the go is often part of making it through the day. Quick and not-so-healthy meals do your body no favors.
Customized pain management therapy allows you to develop the routine and tools to stay healthy, rested, and minimize chronic pain. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Geck at the Restorative Wellness Center in Ann Arbor to learn more about managing chronic pain, using functional medicine to improve your entire well-being, and making adjustments to your routine so your line of work does not add to your discomfort.
