Did you know, that back problems are one of the most common causes of disability and loss of productivity worldwide?
Do adult entertainers experience back problems?
Despite what we may think, the adult entertainment industry is no different, recent studies concluded that current evidence suggests back problems in adult entertainers is on par with the rest of the population with 1 in 6 entertainers experiencing back problems, that’s a total of 16% of adult entertainers. It was also noted in the review, that these statistics were possibly impacted by the lack of entertainers simply not reporting their experience with back pain and problems. Back problems can be classified as a range of conditions related to the bones, muscles, nerves, joints and connective tissues within your back. In Australia it’s estimated that 1 in 6 Australians experience back problems, that’s roughly 4 million people.
What are some types of back problems entertainers and performers experience?
As mentioned earlier, back problems can describe a vast range of conditions related to the connective tissue, bones, muscles, nerves and joints in your back. These conditions can affect the lower back, upper back, neck, sacrum and tail bone.
Some of the most common back problems in entertainers include:
- Stiff neck and neck pain caused by disc degeneration.
- Spine degeneration is caused by wear and tear on your joints.
- Pain includes weakness, numbness and tingling, primarily in the legs that stems from the lower back.
- Pain in the upper, middle and lower back, is generally caused by a range of injuries and conditions.
Types of back pain.
There are 2 primary different types of back pain; acute (short-term back pain) and chronic (long-term back pain). Both types of back pain can feel like an instant, sharp pain, or be a dull, constant ache. Acute back pain generally lasts between a few days to a period of a few weeks and is likely caused by an incident such as a fall or incorrect heavy lifting. Chronic back pain on the other hand is back pain that lasts for in excess of a 3-month period and is much less common than acute back pain.
What are some contributing factors to back issues in the adult entertainment industry?
The adult industry is a tough industry to be a part of, from the outside, it may appear glamourous, where looks are absolutely everything. But looking so good doesn’t always come easy. The reality is, when it comes to being an adult entertainer there are endless demands of training, hard work, strength and commitment. For some entertainment categories, the ability to hold a significant level of endurance is favourable.
When it comes to back issues, some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive movements
- Incorrect form
- Fatigue
- Inexperience
- Poor fitness
- Age
- Genetics
- Frequency in performance
- Overexertion
- Equipment used
- Environment
From male dancing (stripping), and pole dancing, to creating adult content on subscription platforms it is certainly not uncommon for performers to experience some level of back pain within the lifespan of their career or in retirement.
How back issues as an entertainer can impact you.
As an adult entertainer, back problems can limit your range of movement and lower the quality of work you perform. For entertainers who experience back problems and chronic back pain, an injury can result in time off from work and negatively impact your income. A significant loss of income can be detrimental to your mental health, and well-being and impact your relationships.
For a gentle, tailored chiropractic care plan book a consultation with Toorak Chiropractor, Dr. Josh Cogoi.
3 ways you can prevent back problems and keep performing.
Preventing back problems in the entertainment industry is easier than treating them. When it comes to preventing back problems, you can take a few basic measures into account. Here are 3 easy steps you can action to improve your spinal health.
1. Get active and strengthen your back.
Physical activity can strengthen your back muscles, strengthening your back and minimising the risk of back pains and problems.
2. Prevention and focus on good posture.
Good posture when taking on our day-to-day activities and beyond can help prevent back pains and problems. It is also essential to strengthen these areas to prepare for each individual’s workload. Some things to remember when it comes to good posture:
- Stand tall, with your head up and shoulders back.
- Minimise standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time, where you can switch.
- Try not to slouch, this applies to both standing and sitting positions.
- Always sit up straight with your back against the back of your chair and feet flat on the floor.
3. Work on healthy habits such as weight, vitamin D and calcium.
Maintaining a healthy weight range can lower your risk of back problems. Ensuring you are getting enough Vitamin D and calcium can also help prevent back problems by keeping your bones strong and preventing osteoporosis.
If you’re an adult entertainer wanting to take better care of your spinal health, get in touch with Dr. Joshua Cogoi at Toorak Chiropractor and start your personalised chiropractic care journey today.
