Handling the stresses and responsibilities of the workplace can be challenging even with the body functioning at its best. Unfortunately, repetitive strain conditions – such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff injury – can often make the pain of day-to-day work tasks almost unbearable.
Because repetitive strain issues, a.k.a. cumulative trauma disorders, are difficult to solve once they’ve developed, prevention and proper management are crucial (1). After onset of tendinitis, elbow pain, or another repetitive-use problem, it can often even become challenging to perform what were previously simple activities. Driving, dishwashing, and even brushing one’s teeth can become excruciatingly painful.
Repetitive strategies by companies and pain management therapies by physicians can both help to limit the impact of these devastating health issues.
On-the-job pain: ergonomic strategies & manual labor
Some savvy employers, rather than waiting for cases of carpal tunnel or other repetitive problems to arise, have initiated ergonomic adjustments to the work environment. These strategies modify the way that people interact with machines and other elements of their surroundings to minimize repetitive scenarios.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) received upwards of 100,000 instances of hand, arm, and shoulder injuries – elbow pain, tendinitis, etc. – in 2012. Workplace physical harm to the upper body is most often experienced by individuals performing heavy manual labor: construction, manufacturing, and even healthcare (due to the strain of assisting elderly or incapacitated patients).
On-the-job pain: the infamy of typing injuries
Rotator cuff injury has always been taken seriously because it’s associated with heavy lifting. Tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, however, have been viewed controversially because it’s not easy for those who are unaffected to believe the notion of computer-related injury. However, scientific research has thoroughly established that any repetitive action can cause damage over time.
Nonetheless, carpal tunnel syndrome is overdiagnosed, according to Dr. Fredric E. Gerr of the University of Iowa. Although repetitive strain problems are still strongly believed by many experts to arise from prolonged typing, health issues specifically related to the carpal tunnel do not necessarily correlate to excessive typing.
On-the-job pain: pain management that works
For those already in pain (carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injury, etc.), prevention is no longer an option. Once repetitive strain problems have materialized, your goal is to find pain management modalities through the best medical providers. Weston Medical’s renowned staff of pain specialists will see you through. Complete our contact form now for a free consultation .
Sources:
(1) http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-repetitivestrain-ess.html
