Is working from home causing you back pain? Here's what you can do about it.

There are many benefits to working from home – like wearing sweatpants all day, avoiding commuting delays, saving your traffic time.

BUT! The downside is your back might suffer.

One research in 2020 shows 55 per cent of people said they'd experienced new aches and pains in their back since switching to work from home.

Some may ask: why might back pain be more common while working from home?

People are typically more sedentary at home. For example, when you work on-site, you might usually walk to the station, get a train, then walk to the office; you might walk to the local sandwich shop At lunchtime. When you compare this to working from home, one thing becomes clear: you're less likely to be getting so much exercise. The lack of movement throughout the day can lead to back stiffness and muscle aching.

If you're experiencing mild back pain, regular gentle movement can help ease the area. A good stretch can also help reduce mild lower back pain.

If you start to feel numbness around the saddle area, such as a loss of control of your bladder or bowel, or loss of sexual function associated with back pain; then you should seek medical assistance.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese physical therapy that has become a popular and well-researched method for managing this pain. A professional acupuncturist will target energy points for treatment.

Trigger points stimulated by acupuncture could release chemicals from the spinal cord, muscles, and brain. Some of these could be naturally pain-relieving.

Trials on acupuncture for treating back pain show excellent results with minimal risk of side effects. If you work from home and suffer from pain, why not try some new experience.