1. Sitting too long in a badly designed chair

[Above: Proper way of sitting at the office]

A poorly designed chair will not support your back well and can provoke both acute and chronic back pain, reported Newsweek online. To ensure optimal ergonomics at work, your lower and mid-back should be well-supported.

Avoid slouching or leaning foward, especially when you are tired from sitting for long periods, said the Denver Post.

A good way to prevent back problems is to take a short break after 20 to 30 minutes of sitting. Stand up for about 30 seconds or take a short walk around the office and stretch your muscles as needed.

Adjust your chair such that arms are flexed at 75 to 90-degree angle at the elbows. Knees should be aligned with the hips, or slightly higher, while sitting in the office chair, said spine-health.com.