Understanding the Role of Your Core Muscles in Preventing Low Back Pain at Work
- Julian Simpson
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Understanding the Role of Your Core Muscles in Preventing Low Back Pain at Work
Low back pain is currently recognized as one of the leading worldwide causes of both working and life dysfunction, significantly impacting individuals' quality of life and productivity. This condition not only affects physical health but also contributes to emotional and psychological distress, leading to increased absenteeism in the workplace and higher healthcare costs. The prevalence of low back pain has reached alarming levels, prompting healthcare professionals and researchers to investigate its underlying causes and risk factors extensively.
Multiple studies and systematic reviews have identified a wide range of risk factors for low back pain, among which the style of weight lifting is generally considered an important contributor. These studies have highlighted how different lifting techniques can either exacerbate or alleviate the risk of developing low back pain. Factors such as body mechanics, lifting frequency, and the amount of weight lifted play crucial roles in determining the likelihood of injury. Furthermore, ergonomic assessments in various occupational settings have underscored the importance of proper lifting techniques to mitigate the risk of injury.
In fact, the incidence of low back pain in industrial workers has been reported to be as high as 61.6%, indicating a significant occupational health issue. This high prevalence can be attributed to various factors, including repetitive lifting, awkward postures, and prolonged sitting or standing. The impact of low back pain on industrial workers not only affects their physical capabilities but also leads to decreased productivity and increased healthcare expenditures, creating a cycle that can be challenging to break.
How does lifting affect the lower back?
During the act of lifting, the trunk muscles are typically activated to bear the external load, engaging various muscle groups to maintain stability and support the spine. This activation is crucial for preventing injury and ensuring that the body can handle the stresses imposed by lifting heavy objects. However, improper lifting techniques can place excessive strain on the lower back, leading to muscle fatigue and potential injury.
Moreover, scientists have also demonstrated that subjects suffering from low back pain exhibited notable impairments in trunk muscle function when compared to those without such pain. These impairments can manifest as reduced strength, endurance, and coordination of the trunk muscles, which are essential for maintaining proper posture and stability during lifting activities. This dysfunction not only increases the risk of injury but also complicates recovery for individuals already experiencing low back pain.
Squat and stoop lifting are the two most popularly investigated lifting strategies, with subjects either bending their knees or adopting a more rigid posture while reaching for the weight, regardless of the involvement of the lumbar curvature. Each lifting strategy has distinct biomechanical implications, influencing how forces are distributed throughout the body during the lifting process. Understanding these differences is vital for developing effective training and rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing the incidence of low back pain.
Generally, squat lifting is considered safer than stoop lifting, as it allows the weight to be brought closer to the trunk. This technique significantly reduces the demands on the back muscles, which must counteract the movements of external loads. By utilizing the legs and maintaining a neutral spine, squat lifting minimizes the risk of injury, promoting better overall mechanics and stability during lifting activities.
Research conducted in 2025 found that the trunk muscles were similarly activated during both squat and stoop lifting. However, during the lowering phase of the weight, the trunk muscles exhibited less activation compared to the extension phase to the upright position without weight in hand. This finding suggests that the mechanics of lifting are complex and that understanding the activation patterns of trunk muscles during different phases of lifting can provide valuable insights into injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation approaches for those affected by low back pain.
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Pan F, Wang W, Kong C, Lu S. Trunk muscle behaviors during the full-cycle stoop and squat lifting tasks. PeerJ. 2025 Jan 7;13:e18797. doi: 10.7717/peerj.18797. PMID: 39802189; PMCID: PMC11720969.
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