Brief exposures to a variety of modifiable physical (handling heavy loads or awkward positioning, moving live people or animals, moderate to intense activity, sexual activity, and slipping/tripping/falling) and psychosocial (alcohol use, distraction, fatigue) factors increases risk for acute back pain. All physical triggers were significantly associated with increased risks, with manual tasks involving awkward positioning, objects not close to the body, and unstable or unbalanced objects carrying the greatest risks. Distraction during a task increased risk, but alcohol and sexual activity showed no association.
PositiveTip: Think carefully before lifting or moving heavy objects–it could prevent acute back pain.