Back pain—common in the beauty industry.  

Lower back pain is a widespread problem among professionals in the beauty industry. A study from Fortaleza in Brazil has investigated the prevalence of back pain among hairdressers, barbers, and nail therapists, and the results are clear.

The study included 42 people, the majority of whom were women, with an average age of approximately 39 years. All participants experienced lower back pain, and more than half had such severe discomfort that the pain affected their daily activities. It was particularly difficult to stand or sit for long periods of time and to carry heavy objects.

The researchers point to several clear risk factors: long working days, working in the same position for several hours, a sedentary lifestyle, and many years in the profession. Women also reported earlier onset of pain and longer periods of pain than men. Despite this, less than half of the participants had sought medical care for their problems.

The conclusion is that back pain in beauty professions is often linked to both personal and work-related factors. The study highlights the need for better ergonomics and more movement during the working day, which can reduce pain and improve quality of life for many in the industry.

Source: Low back pain in beauty salon professionals in the city of Fortaleza-CE. Paulo Ricardo Silva Lopes, Giulianna de Brito Brasil, Thiago Brasileiro de Vasconcelos

At Support Design, we are passionate about everyone feeling good and know that micro-movements during a sedentary working day can make a big difference. One of our most mobile saddle chairs is the Relief balance chair, which has a 360-degree movable seat. Read more about Relief here.