What are Work Related Injuries?
Work related injuries generally develop during work even when jobs do not require a lot of physical activity. For example, office work that requires sitting at the desk for long periods of time can lead to lower back problems. There may be some jobs that require repetitive functions leading to undue stress on the body part that, if left untreated becomes severe with time. A few common types of Work related injuries include:
Tendinitis
It is a common injury caused due to overuse while completing repetitive tasks or motions, every workday. The tendons may become inflamed and if not treated as soon as possible, may lead to further damage.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling and stiffness near joints from inflamed tendons. Caused by repetitive motions like typing or assembly work.
Prevention: Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, stretch and vary motions. Proper technique is needed when lifting, gripping or reaching. Gradually increase workload when starting new job.
Back Pain
Lower back pain is often caused by sitting at the desk for a long duration or incorrect lifting techniques. It is a very painful condition that makes it impossible to complete simple tasks and is one of the most common work related injuries. Physiotherapy is one of the best treatment options to relieve work related injuries like back pain.
Symptoms: Aching, soreness and stiffness in lower back making movement difficult. Can radiate into legs. Caused by poor sitting posture, heavy lifting.
Prevention: Use an ergonomic chair, take regular standing breaks and maintain good posture. Lift with legs bent, hold loads close to the body. Avoid twisting while lifting. Exercise to build core strength.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs due to the median nerve in the wrist area becoming compressed or getting pinched. Anyone from office executives to workers can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Physiotherapists have a wide range of procedures to effectively deal with this painful condition for relief and recovery.
Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Weak grip strength. Caused by repetitive wrist motions like typing.
Prevention: Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive tasks. Use ergonomic keyboards and wrist rests. Stretch your wrists and hands often. Wear a wrist splint at night if needed.
Muscle and Ligament Sprains
Overexertion of a muscle, a slip or fall, or repetitive tasks can result in strain. By evaluating the root cause of the injury, physical therapists are able to help relieve pain quickly and promote faster healing making it possible to return to work sooner than ever.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising and reduced range of motion in the affected joint or limb. Caused by falls, twisting motions and overexertion.
Prevention: Warm up properly before physical activity. Use proper technique when lifting, lowering and throwing. Take breaks from repetitive motions. Wear supportive footwear and braces if needed. Maintain strength through exercise.
Preventing Work Related Injuries
While workplace injuries can happen unexpectedly, there are some steps you can take to help prevent them:
- Use proper lifting techniques – If your workplace requires a lot of physical activity regularly then you must keep few things in mind. Try to lift objects or weights with your legs, not your back. Keep objects close to your body and avoid twisting when carrying heavy items. Following these might help you avoid a severe back injury in long term or any other Work Related Injuries.
- Take regular breaks – If you are working in front of computers or engaged in other types of desk jobs then you should avoid sitting in one static position for too long. Getting up and moving around periodically can help avoid strain from repetitive tasks. If you are not doing this, you might already be feeling neck, shoulder or back pain. We know that taking frequent breaks during working hours is quite difficult, but there are few things that you can do while sitting in your chair. Contact us today for a professional consultation.
- Maintain good posture – Sitting up straight with shoulders back while at your desk keeps your spine in proper alignment and prevents slouching, which can strain your back. Make sure to have an ergonomic chair that allows for adjusting the height and provides lumbar support. Position the chair close enough to the desk so your elbows are at a 90 degree angle while typing. Use ergonomic equipment like keyboards and monitors that can be adjusted to prevent craning your neck and hunching over. Take standing breaks periodically to give your back a rest from sitting. Keeping good posture distributes weight evenly and prevents undue strain.
- Wear supportive footwear – Wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning is important to prevent foot and leg pain on the job. Standing or walking for long periods puts pressure on feet that flat or flimsy shoes do not adequately support. This can lead to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee issues and back issues. Opt for sturdy shoes with cushioned insoles, shock absorption, and firm heel counters. Replace shoes regularly as cushioning wears down. Take weight off your feet periodically by sitting or elevating them when possible. Proper footwear provides comfort and stability to prevent pain.
- Report hazards – Being attentive to potential workplace hazards and reporting them quickly can prevent possible injuries. Don’t assume spilled liquids or tripping dangers will be cleaned up or fixed right away. Alert supervisors immediately to things like slippery floors, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, frayed electrical cords, or any other dangerous condition you notice. Speaking up ensures the issue is addressed in a timely manner before an incident occurs. Part of maintaining a safe work environment is communication between employees and supervisors about any risks or dangers that should be remedied.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water throughout your workday prevents dehydration which can lead to painful muscle cramps, strains, and fatigue. Dehydration causes muscles and joints to lose lubrication and become irritated. Aim to drink water frequently, even when you aren’t thirsty, to maintain fluid levels. Bring a reusable water bottle within reach of your work station for easy access. If your role involves physical labor, drink extra to replace sweat you lose. Hydration provides energy, prevents headaches, and helps the body function optimally to avoid injury.
Seeking Help for Work Related Injuries
If you do suffer a workplace injury, it’s important to get prompt medical attention. Notify your supervisor and follow company protocol for reporting injuries. Early treatment can help prevent complications or further damage.
Seeing a physiotherapist is highly recommended for musculoskeletal injuries sustained on the job. They can provide exercises, stretches, manual therapy and more tailored treatment to get you healing quickly and safely.
Some common workplace conditions that physiotherapy can effectively treat are:
- Herniated discs from heavy lifting
- Tennis elbow from repetitive motions
- Sciatica from prolonged sitting
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from typing/computer work
- Rotator cuff tears from overhead reaching
Don’t delay in seeking help for any Work Related Injuries. Early physiotherapy intervention can make a big difference in your recovery and ability to return to work.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Treat Work Related Injuries
Physiotherapy is one of the most ideal methods to treat work related injuries for people of all ages. Our physiotherapists first go through a primary phase of thorough evaluation to understand the source of the injury. Having identified the problem, they are equipped with the most modern equipment, specialized treatment methods and years of experience to prescribe a targeted treatment protocol specially designed to suit your requirements that relieve pain, improve mobility, promotes healing and provide you with the most safe, effective, non-invasive way to get well.
If you or a loved one has recently suffered an injury, schedule an appointment with one of our specialized physiotherapists and experience the fastest possible recovery.
Contact SwaHealth Physiotherapy Rehab to get rid of work related injuries Today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common causes of work-related back injuries?
Common causes include improper lifting, long periods of sitting, repetitive motions, poor posture and a lack of core strength. Back injuries frequently result from exceeding safe limits for bending, twisting, and lifting.
When should I seek medical help for a work-related injury?
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after sustaining any work-related injury beyond basic first aid care. Early treatment can help minimize damage and speed recovery.
What types of injuries does physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy is effective for treating sprains, strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, back/neck pain, and other musculoskeletal injuries sustained in the workplace.
Are there exercises I can do to help prevent injuries at work?
Yes, core strengthening, stretching, and aerobic exercise can boost stamina and prevent strains. Your physiotherapist can recommend a routine tailored to your job’s demands.
