Back injuries can and do cause permanent changes in the way that we live. Oftentimes this means that those living with a back injury are unable to continue with their existing careers, especially if those roles make the symptoms and condition worse. This means that it’s important to focus on reskilling, in order to learn completely new skills for jobs that are a better fit for your circumstances. Below, 10 great jobs for people with a back injury!

Administration: Office roles usually require lots of sitting, but regular stretching breaks can help make it more manageable. Make sure to have an ergonomic chair, and if you’re able to, standing desks can be an ideal way to alleviate the symptoms of a back injury.

Virtual Assistant: You’ll be providing administrative, technical, and creative assistance, and often will operate remotely from home. This is ideal especially if your set up at home means that your back is supported properly, and you’re comfortable. You may have to re-skill in Administration and add more technologies and applications to your skillset, depending on the software your client uses.

Customer service representative: As you’ll be sitting at a desk responding to customer calls, you won’t need to do any heavy lifting for this type of role. However, it’s important that you frequently stand and stretch as you’re conversing with the customer, and invest in ergonomic chairs to keep your back supported.

Tech worker: These jobs are not physically strenuous, and there is a high demand for qualified and skilled workers in this job market. Ranging from software engineers, project managers, network developers, and website developers, modern tech companies are eager for qualified workers and are more often willing to accommodate for issues such as back injuries at work, too.

Accountant: While this role requires computer and desk work, it provides you with plenty of opportunities to stand up and take a walk around the office. Reskilling to become an accountant not only makes you qualified for a role that won’t aggravate your back injury, but you’ll get a rewarding and fulfilling job too.

Tutor: If you’ve got a love for teaching, consider tutoring older students. This job is not physically demanding and offers a lot of scheduling flexibility, too, while keeping you mentally stimulated.

Researcher or analyst: Consider data collection and analysis, which includes market research, administration of customer surveys, etcetera. While this is a job that entails a lot of computer use, setting up your workspace so it’s ergonomic and promotes proper posture can help with a back injury.

Photographer: While photography can seem like a physically strenuous job, with the right accommodations, it can actually be great for those with back injuries! The schedule and work environment are under your control, and you can choose to take photos in your studio, or even on location, which offers opportunities for inactive and active periods throughout the day.

Software Developer: As software companies continue to grow in the market, they’ve begun to make accommodations for back pain and injuries as historically, the role has affected workers’ backs negatively. Companies are taking progressive steps forward and providing ergonomic sitting arrangements, adjustable sitting, and standing desks, as well as memberships to local gyms, too. Reskilling to learn about software development can be ideal for your back injury!

Quality inspector/compliance officer: The healthcare industry, food industry, and chemical industry require compliance officers to keep the following regulations. This means a role that offers a balance of sitting and walking!

Looking for a job that helps you accommodate your back injury? DES Employment Services program by APM can help. With employment services on offer that help you to reskill, and properly market yourself, and edit your resume when job seeking, having professional support can go a long way in finding a great job that’s meaningful and fulfilling, while still playing up to your strengths.