With reality television shows on the rise, viewers can see what it’s like to ride the high seas as crab fisherman, build some of the tallest superstructures, haul in a 600-lb. swordfish and even catch a glimpse of some of the world’s dirtiest jobs. Yet, major networks aren’t airing any reality show about the perils faced by the American farmer each seeding and harvest season. Perhaps they should.
Farming is one of the most hazardous industries from a health perspective; leaving farmers at risk for work related lung disease, back injury, skin diseases and certain cancers associated with chemical use and prolonged sun exposure.
Farming is also one of the few industries that can affect an entire family because typically, everyone is involved.
Farmers who have experienced back pain know the difficulty it can bring with making even the slightest movements. Farmers are more susceptible to back injury because they often find themselves in precarious positions that put strain on the lower back including when operating heavy equipment, lifting heavy objects and repetitive motion. Injuries can be caused by sudden movements or continued use over a prolonged amount of time.
Back pain and injury are caused by many factors including stretched muscles, torn ligaments and ruptured disks.
Farmers who are overweight, smoke, don’t lift objects properly, have poor posture and don’t exercise regularly may be prone to back pain and problems. Some factors that might make you more susceptible to back pain include simply getting older, having a family with a history of back pain, a job with an emphasis on manual physical labor or sitting for long periods of time.
Most minor injuries should result in pain that lasts for less than a month. During that time you should avoid heavy lifting but try to continue with your normal activities.
Many times temporary back pain will go away on its own. However, if you experience numbness, tingling or loss of control of your arms and legs you may have a spinal cord injury. If the pain in your neck extends down the back of your leg you may be suffering from sciatica. If pain increases when you cough or bend forward at the waist you may have a herniated disk. Fever accompanied by burning during urination could indicate you have a urinary tract infection. If you experience a dull pain in one area of your spine when lying down or getting out of bed and you are over the age of 50, you may be suffering osteoarthritis.
Back exercises can help prevent pain including strengthening exercises and stretches to relieve pain in the short term while helping get your body conditioned to resist future injuries.
Tips for Prevention
Use proper lifting techniques
Maintain good posture by stepping forward with the entire body instead of reaching out for objects and keep your feet a shoulders width apart when standing.
Stretch
Decrease constant vibrations by installing better seats and cushions in tractors
Use machines to do the heavy lifting
Use tables at waist level to avoid excessive bending
Work with tools close to the body
Rotate work so one person isn’t always doing the same thing
Change position often
Eat right, exercise, avoid alcohol and tobacco
Proper Lifting:
Survey the situation before lifting
If it’s too heavy, get help
Get close to the object, use a wide balanced stance, grasp firmly, bend at the knees while contracting the abdominal muscles
Lift slowly using knees and leg muscles
Pivot with your feet instead of twisting your back
Use same techniques for putting object down
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