No matter how divided the world is, if there’s one we can all relate to, it’s back pain. More and more people sit all day in their offices or, now that everyone’s forced to do remote work, at home. Disregarding the pain might even lead you to permanent back issues if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are ways for you to prevent, manage, or even get rid of the pain.

Why does this matter you ask? Because it affects the American population. Americans lose more than $100 billion per year in wages and productivity due to back pain, including 264 million lost days or 2 workdays for a full-time worker. For small businesses that don’t have so much manpower, this hits them harder. Also, back pain causes discomfort that will give us a poorer quality of life.

According to a survey by nowsourcing.com, 8 out of 10 adults will have back pain in their lifetime. This is mainly caused by the strain we put on our bodies from doing everyday tasks. An example of this task is lifting heavy objects. Sometimes, it’s also caused by extended periods of sitting, standing, and moving. Terrible posture, obesity, and stress can also be contributing factors to back pain. Sitting or walking with your back slouched and your neck extended or raised adds strain on your back, shoulders, or neck that will cause you pain.

At work, to make sure you don’t go through the pain, pay more attention to your body and the symptoms it shows. When sitting, maintain a forward curve in your lower back and do not slouch. If you can, buy an ergonomic chair. Adjust your computer and put it at eye level so you don’t have to keep bending your neck and putting pressure on it, too. Outside of work, try to get as much exercise as you can. Exercising contributes to your strength and stamina so you have the power to do your job. Maintain a healthy weight, too. Furthermore, get a good night’s sleep on a mattress that’s specifically designed to support your spine and neck.

Some of the quick fixes to back pain include ice, heat, and OTC medication. However, it’s only a band-aid solution and doesn’t treat the root cause of it. If your back pain is so bad that it doesn’t get better with resting, the pain radiates down both of your legs, or causes your muscles to weaken, you might want to go see your doctor.