World Spine Day (16 October) is a global day of action to highlight the burden of spinal pain and disability and promote optimum spinal health.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in lockdown measures that have restricted people’s ability to undertake physical activity and keep mobile. Working from home has led to increased reports of back and neck pain. As primary teachers and early years practitioners return to working in “child height environments”, they may be one of the working groups most affected by back and musculoskeletal pain.
Studies show that as many as 75 per cent of early years and primary teachers have problems with their backs, as well as their necks, hips and knees, which they feel are related to their work.
Back pain is the largest single cause of years lived with disability.
Living with low back pain and neck pain makes you twice as likely to suffer from:
- mood disorders
- anxiety
- stress, and
- depression.
Spinal pain and disability can affect everyone throughout their life. Whether you are 9 or 90, spine care is important for health and wellbeing.
Evidence supports regular movement and activity for the spine to function properly. Movement really is medicine. In addition to good posture, responsible lifting and healthy working conditions.
Partnership
A new partnership between health, academic and early years experts (including Jolly Back, Early Years Alliance and University of Derby) has developed guidance which reduces MSD risks related to working in the sector. Training materials have been created and research launched to gather further insight into those working in the sector.
This World Spine Day, it’s ready for launch.
We’ve been working collaboratively for the past 12 months to create comprehensive and easy-to-implement guidance which promotes and enables musculoskeletal health – an area of emerging importance.
Being crammed into children’s chairs, bending awkwardly over tiny tables and stooping over low sinks understandably take their toll. This has been particularly evident this year as teachers return to classrooms across the country.
Checklist and action plan
A checklist and action plan, along with step by step practical guidance, legal considerations and a key points for practitioners poster can be found here.
I’m proud and pleased to say that it’s finally ready to be shared!
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024