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Why Moving at Work Isn’t the Same as Moving for Fun
Exploring the physical activity paradox in pain management
We know physical activity is vital for health and wellness, but does it matter where your physical activity comes from?
There is a phenomenon in exercise and wellness research known as the physical activity paradox. In short, occupational physical activity (activity at work) doesn’t provide the same health benefits as leisure time physical activity. This holds across a variety of health outcomes, including long-term sick absence, low back pain prevention, and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study adds another outcome to the list — the use of pain-relief medication for musculoskeletal pain. As a physical therapist, I am particularly interested in these findings, and you should be as well.
Muskuloskeletal pain, such as low back or neck pain, is the #1 cause of disability in the world. It leads to productivity loss, sickness absence, early retirement, reduced function, and higher risk for chronic disease. Unfortunately, many people rely on pain medication as a first-line treatment, despite research showing it shouldn’t be.
Pain medication can provide temporary pain relief, but it won’t address the root cause of musculoskeletal pain, and it won’t help the body…
