Trucking named most back-breaking job
ARLINGTON, Va. (Oct. 18, 2004) -- Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers top the American Chiropractic Association's list of the 10 most back-breaking jobs. According to the association, the ratings are the result of a survey of members and reflect "their decisions on which occupations cause the most strain on the muscles of the back." In its press release, the association explained that "constant compression and vibration from trucks can damage the back." Further, "prolonged sitting puts pressure on the spine, which can result in disc degeneration. Liquid-carrying trucks are particularly bad. When this truck comes to a sudden stop, the fluid in the truck's tank slams back and forth, and the driver feels the impact. Also, because professional truck drivers are always on the road, their diets are seldom what they should be, which can contribute to back problems." The association's other nine 'back-breaking" jobs are construction worker, landscaper, farmer, shingle roofer, firefighter and EMT, delivery driver, nursing home worker, auto mechanic and police officer. Police officer? Officers "sit in their cars for long periods of time, which is rough on the lower back. When called into action, they have to make sudden movements. They often face resistance from those they are arresting or they can be attacked, which may harm the back. Police officers also wear belts that can weigh up to 40 pounds, which is a common cause of chronic back pain," the association explained. -- from Truckinginfo.com