Is Your Job Hurting You?

Have you noticed that at the end of the day, you have pain and stiffness? Are you experiencing tingling, numbness or weakness of the fingers/hand? These are just some of the indications that you may be experiencing a work related musculoskeletal disorder or repetitive strain injury.
Contributing factors to a repetitive strain injury can include:-

• Poor ergonomically designed work station or tools
• Poor posture and positioning
• Prolonged sitting
• Improper lifting techniques
• Repetitive force
• Vibration

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms then you will benefit from an ergonomic consultation and assessment by your Occupational Therapist
Ergonomics can be defined as the design and arranging of things people use so that their interaction maximises safety and efficiency.
In other words, the environment must suit the worker and not the worker suit the environment.
The OTs role is to highlight areas of your work station or your practice that could be the cause of your symptoms. Whether you work at a computer, cash register, in an automotive shop, on an assembly line, operating heavy duty equipment etc having the correct set up of your work station and employing sound practices will have you working safer.

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Image from: safety and Risk Services – Ergonomic Guidelines
If you are already experiencing back and neck pain your doctor may refer you for Back School where you will be instructed in managing your pain as you learn:-

• The importance of correct posture and how to achieve it
• Positions to assume during your activities of daily living
• Self-treatments
• Therapeutic exercise- stretching and strengthening
• Proper lifting techniques
• Proper body mechanics
• Safe movements

Sound ergonomic practices and an awareness and management of potential risk factors on your job as well as appropriate self-management can reduce your chances of acquiring a work related muscular skeletal disorder.