Back pain is a real … well, pain in the back. Whether it’s dull and achy or sharp and stabbing, chronic or sudden back pain can greatly reduce your quality of life. Depending on your job, back pain could be the result of an occupational injury. Industries where heavy lifting is a regular duty are prone to causing back pain for employees, but even lower-impact jobs can be a concern. Three main factors often cause work-related back pain: Force, such as lifting or moving heavy objects Repetitive movements, especially twisting or rotating the spine Inactivity, particularly if you have poor posture or sit in a chair with poor support Can I avoid back pain? If your job puts you at a risk for back pain, there are several things you can do to prevent causing an injury: Watch your posture by avoiding slouching, adjusting a chair or computer setup properly and [...]

You know that drug addiction is a disease, so it only seems to make sense that the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA, would provide some measure of job security if you're struggling with addiction. And it does -- but only under certain circumstances. The ADA often struggles to balance the interests of employers and employees when it comes to disability accommodations, and addiction is a tricky one to handle. In general, if you're suffering from a drug addiction, this is what you should know: Current drug use isn't protected. Your employer has a right to maintain a drug-free workplace. If you are currently using illegal drugs, you can be disciplined or fired. Even if you have been diagnosed with an addiction, the ADA will usually not protect you. Addiction is a listed disability. The ADA does, however, list substance abuse and addiction as a disability -- but only if you qualify [...]