What are the most common reasons behind occupational injuries?
Workers Need Chiropractic Care
It might not seem like it but one of the reasons why people search for a nearby chiropractor is because of occupational injuries. There were 2.8 million work-related injuries in 2014. This occurred across all industries, but 75 percent of individuals who provided service were affected.
These injuries can result in lost time at work, reduced output, depression, and temporary (or permanent) incapacity. Slip and falls, automobile crashes, electrocution, being struck by hazards, and being stuck in or between accidents can all result in these injuries. Sitting at a desk or bent over a computer for long periods of time can, however, result in a work-related injury. Workers who have been injured on the job have been demonstrated to benefit from chiropractic care, allowing them to return to work sooner.
Occupational injuries can come in many forms
Occupational injuries come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of causes and symptoms. They can range in severity from small annoyances to major harm that can result in temporary or permanent impairment. Some people will need surgery, while others will need extensive physical therapy, braces, and medical treatment.
Thoracic outlet syndrome - This injury is caused by repeatedly flexing the shoulder, carrying loads on your shoulders, and extending your arms over shoulder height. Swelling, soreness, a dull aching, weakness, or a burning feeling in the affected area are all symptoms of this injury.
Carpal tunnel syndrome - This injury is caused by repetitive use of the hands and wrists, such as typing on a keyboard or gripping a tool. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, and swelling in the affected area.
Back injuries - These can be caused by lifting heavy objects, twisting the spine, or sitting in one position for too long. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, weakness, and tingling sensations.
Elbow tendonitis (Epicondylitis) – Forceful or repeated forearm rotation while simultaneously bending the wrist causes this injury. Swelling, a dull discomfort, soreness, burning, and weakness in the affected area are among the symptoms.
DeQuervain's disease - is induced by repetitive hand twisting and hard gripping. It is characterized by pain near the base of the thumb.
Tendonitis/tenosynovitis - This injury is caused by prolonged knee hyperextension, repeated action, and overuse of the load. Numbness, discomfort, and swelling in the hands are all symptoms.
Preventing Injuries at Work
While some work-related injuries are unavoidable, many more can be avoided with a little more care and attention. To reduce the risk of a workplace injury, Peak Potential Family Chiropractic - Houston Heights suggests the following practices.
- Get some exercise on a regular basis. This keeps your body strong, fit, and flexible, which helps prevent back issues.
- If you work at a desk, make sure you have a comfortable chair. This means that the distance between the backs of your knees and the front border of the seat should be two inches. Your knees should be level or slightly below your hips, never higher.
- When working at a computer, keep your knees between a 90-degree and a 120-degree angle and utilize a foot rest for support.
- If your employment needs you to sit for long periods of time, take a walk and stretch at least every two hours.
- When lifting something big or difficult, avoid bending over. Squat as you take up the object, bending at the knees and hips and letting your legs perform the work while keeping the thing close to your body and your back straight. Allowing your body to rotate when lifting is not a good idea.
Of course, for your workstation and place of employment, you should observe all recommended and mandatory safety requirements.
Workplace Injuries and Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment can help you recover more quickly, improve your posture, and regain mobility and strength. Many of the occupational injuries described here can be adequately addressed using chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in treating back and neck pain, as well as disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow tendonitis, and knee injuries.
Chiropractic's whole-body approach can help injured employees manage their pain and repair their injuries through adjustments, as well as soft tissue therapy and other noninvasive therapies that enhance range of motion. In short, chiropractic can help workers return to work faster, resulting in less time away from work and a lower cost effect.
At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic - Houston Heights, we want to help you prevent workplace injuries from occurring in the first place. If you are currently suffering from a work-related injury, we can help get you back on your feet and on the road to recovery. Contact our office today for a consultation.
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