Work-related injuries are often called workplace ergonomic injuries & are caused by a variety of factors. Physio & EP are commonly used successful to treat many work injuries & an injured worker can get 8 free pre-approved physio treatments. What’s better is our team can even lodge your claim on your behalf & help accelerate your recovery.
Injuries do not only happen when you do vigorous sport but are also very common at work. Work-related injuries are often called workplace ergonomic injuries, which is caused by the presence of ergonomic risk factors, including awkward or sustained posture, forceful exertion, repetitive strain, contact pressure, and prolonged exposure to vibration or abnormal temperatures. If you work at the office, or you are involved with physically demanding tasks, everyone is exposed to the risks of getting injured at work.
The most common ergonomic injuries are as follows:
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
Carpel tunnel syndrome is a disorder in the wrist and hand that arises from compression of the median nerve in the flexor retinaculum (soft tissue around the front of the wrist). People with carpel tunnel syndrome often complain about pain, weakness, tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist. It is caused by activities that cause swelling in the tendons in the flexor retinaculum, such as repetitive bending of the wrist and sustained awkward posture of the wrist. People who use their hands repetitively in their daily activities, such as assembly line workers, typists and childcare workers, are prone to carpel tunnel syndrome. The lack of proper workstation setup, including keyboard and mouse, would also elevate the risk for carpel tunnel syndrome.
- Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is the degeneration of tendon, which is a thick cord that connects bones and muscles together. Common sites of tendinopathy involve the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow), knee (jumper’s knee) and ankle (Achilles tendinopathy). Tendinopathy is often resulted from overuse and repetitive movements and poor posture. People with tendinopathy often complain about pain, swelling and weakness in the affected area. Pain is more significant when moving against resistance. The later the intervention starts, the poorer the recovery rate and tendon condition are.
- Lower back injuries
A number of factors can contribute to back injuries, such as exerting too much force, repetitive lifting, bending and twisting, as well as sustained poor posture from poor workstation setup, including inappropriate desk and chair heights. There is a range of important structures in our back that are susceptive to damage, including joints, discs, muscles, nerves and ligaments. Symptoms can vary from simple aching at the back, to pain radiating to the legs depending on the extent of damage. Back pain doesn’t only impact on our physicality negatively, but also imposing negative influence on our psychological health, daily functions and financial situation.
If these risk factors aren’t addressed timely and properly, the risk for an ergonomic injury is escalated, consequently imposing physical, psychological and financial burden on injured workers and employers. Never underestimate any small twists in your workplace setup as they can have a huge impact on your physical health and sustainability of your work.
For support or advice, please contact our physios for specialist assistance.
For further information, please refer to:
Title: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Tendon Injuries: Basic Science and Clinical Medicine; Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace: Low Back and Upper Extremities
Source: British Medical Journal; Springer; ProQuest Ebook Central