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Is latest farming challenge a pain in the … back?

February 13, 2014  By The Canadian Press


Feb. 13, Saskatoon — Researchers say if you’re a middle-aged farmer, there’s a good chance you have chronic back pain.

Feb. 13, Regina — Researchers say if you’re a middle-aged farmer, there’s a good chance you have chronic back pain.

Catherine Trask of the University of Saskatchewan says you’re also more likely to have a harder time getting help for it because you live in a rural area.

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She says 80 per cent of Canadians will experience back pain at some time in their lives.

But on the farm, sufferers were more likely to be older men, who tend to think it is just part of a job that includes heavy lifting, long hours in vehicles with constant bumps and vibration and other factors.

Her team’s findings are published in The Journal of Rural Health.

Trask says farmers can help stave off an aching back with some simple measures such as taking a break for a quick walk while on the job and taking up active recreation in the off hours.


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