5 Jobs That Are Harder on Your Spine Than You Think

Some jobs are harder on the spine than others — but not always for the reasons people think. When people think of tough jobs, they usually picture heavy lifting. And while lifting can definitely stress the spine, some of the biggest problems come from repetition, awkward posture, vibration, long hours, bending, twisting, and not enough recovery. In this episode, we talk about five types of jobs that can be especially demanding on the spine, including trades, health care workers, drivers and equipment operators, farmers and mechanics, and even desk workers. This is not a perfect ranking of the "worst" jobs. Instead, it is a look at the different ways work can slowly affect the back, neck, posture, joints, and overall spinal health. We also talk about our own job as chiropractors, since many people assume chiropractic must be hard on the spine. The truth is, it can be — but with proper body mechanics, positioning, leverage, and awareness, the body can be protected. The main message: it is not just what you do for work. It is what your spine has to repeat every single day.