Back and neck pain are common conditions that are usually not a result of a serious disease or damage to the spine. Pain can come from the muscles, ligaments and joints with most episodes of back or neck pain improving quickly.

Neck pain can occur following a specific event such as whiplash following a car accident or as a result of other musculoskeletal, neurological or arthritic conditions. The neck is less stable than other areas of the spine and therefore can be more susceptible to injury. Neck pain is considered chronic when it has continued for at least 6 months.

Lower back pain generally comes from the muscles, ligaments and joints and can be short term or more persistent if associated with conditions such as arthritis, disc degeneration, sciatica or stress leading to increased muscle tension. Back pain may be exacerbated by a range of factors, including posture and poor manual handling techniques.

Symptoms and characteristics:

Each person’s experience of back or neck pain is unique and therefore symptoms will vary in extent and duration.

Common symptoms of back and neck pain are often described as stiffness, discomfort or a wide variation in levels and types of pain. Pain can be acute, chronic, widespread or localised. Some people also report feelings of numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.

For more information on some of these symptoms and characteristics, follow this link:

• arthritis

Workplace solutions and adjustments:

In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with back or neck conditions to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as (Better Health Channel 2006; eMedicineHealth 2007; MDA Internet 2005):

• modifying workstation set up to avoid or minimise bending, twisting, reaching or looking down
• providing and adjusting ergonomic chair or stool to individual needs
• changing work routine to build in regular changes in posture
• education in use of correct manual handling techniques
• ensuring the workplace and work tasks are set up to minimise repetitive or heavy lifting or the need to access below waist or above shoulder level
• if required to stand for long periods, consider the use of anti-fatigue matting or a sit-stand stool to enable postural rotation
• consider capacity for staff rotation between physically demanding tasks and lighter tasks as a way of building in breaks without having to stop work
• consider the use of lifting or mechanical aids such as trolleys to minimise lifting requirements.

Employers of people with disability may be eligible for free workplace assessments and modifications through the Workplace Modifications Scheme. The Workplace Modification Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment for employees with disability. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:

• Workplace Modifications Scheme

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• adjusting personal work station
• energy and stamina
• managing pain
• mobility
• moving around the workplace
• travelling to and from work

Case studies and success stories:

For employers and managers:

• Manufacturing—With modifications, we are getting the job done

For job seekers and employees:

• Back injury—Modifications secured Patrick's job
• Back injury—Neil's success by being his own boss
• Back injury—The Butterfly Experience, an inspiring transformation

For service providers:

• Back injury—Modifications secured Patrick's job
• Back injury—The Butterfly Experience, an inspiring transformation

References:

Better Health Channel 2006, Back pain, Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne, viewed 24 February 2008, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Back_pain?open

MDA Internet 2005, 5^th Edition, Presley Reed, MD, viewed 25 February 2007, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)

eMedicineHealth 2007, WebMD, Atlanta, viewed 25 February 2007, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/back_pain/article_em.htm