Back Pain Back Pain Prevention and Ergonomics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended monitor height for ergonomic computer workstations to prevent back and neck strain?
- Below eye level, angled up
- At or slightly below eye level, arm's length away (Correct answer)
- Above eye level to encourage upright posture
- No standard — personal preference only
Correct answer: At or slightly below eye level, arm's length away
The monitor should be at or slightly below eye level and approximately arm's length away to allow a neutral head and spine position.
Question 2: Which workplace modification most effectively reduces back pain in workers who stand for long periods?
- Wearing hard-soled shoes
- Using anti-fatigue mats and alternating foot positions (Correct answer)
- Standing completely still to avoid twisting
- Wearing a rigid back brace at all times
Correct answer: Using anti-fatigue mats and alternating foot positions
Anti-fatigue mats cushion the feet and encourage subtle micro-movements, reducing static muscle loading and fatigue in the legs and back.
Question 3: Which body mass index (BMI) category is associated with the highest risk for chronic low back pain?
- Underweight (BMI <18.5)
- Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
- Overweight (BMI 25-29.9)
- Obese (BMI ≥30) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Obese (BMI ≥30)
Obesity (BMI ≥30) increases lumbar compressive forces, promotes pro-inflammatory adipokines, and is associated with higher rates of chronic LBP and disc degeneration.
Question 4: How frequently should sedentary workers take movement breaks to reduce back pain risk?
- Once per day
- Every 2-4 hours
- Every 30-60 minutes (Correct answer)
- Only when pain starts
Correct answer: Every 30-60 minutes
Evidence supports taking brief movement breaks every 30-60 minutes to interrupt prolonged sitting, redistribute spinal loads, and improve disc nutrition.
Question 5: Smoking is a recognized risk factor for back pain primarily because it causes which spinal change?
- Increased spinal flexibility
- Reduced disc nutrition and accelerated degeneration via microvascular changes (Correct answer)
- Muscle hypertrophy around the spine
- Increased bone density
Correct answer: Reduced disc nutrition and accelerated degeneration via microvascular changes
Smoking impairs microvascular supply to vertebral endplates, reducing disc nutrition and accelerating degeneration while also impairing healing.
Question 6: Which sleep position is generally recommended for individuals with low back pain?
- Prone (face down)
- Supine with a pillow under the knees (Correct answer)
- Side-lying with legs fully extended
- Any position regardless of pain
Correct answer: Supine with a pillow under the knees
Sleeping supine with a pillow under the knees reduces lumbar lordosis and decreases hip flexor tension, minimizing compressive forces on the spine.
Back Pain Back Pain Prevention and Ergonomics 2
What is the recommended monitor height for ergonomic computer workstations to prevent back and neck strain?