Ergonomic injuries in the workplace can be related to an individual’s posture, body mechanics, equipment, workspace, or the repetitive motions required by their jobs. These kinds of injuries make up roughly one-third of all workplace injuries, costing employers billions of dollars each year.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common kinds of ergonomic injuries encountered in the workplace, along with treatment options for each.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CPS) occurs when the tendons and muscles in the wrist become inflamed. This often happens because of poor mechanics or overuse. It is typically experienced as a numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers and can lead to chronic pain and weakness in the affected muscles.
Treatment
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications may resolve mild symptoms of CPS. Lifestyle changes, including improving ergonomic support when performing repetitive tasks, may also be recommended.
More severe symptoms may benefit from corticosteroid injections to help reduce the inflammation that causes pain, as well.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Injuries to the neck and shoulders frequently affect workers who spend long hours looking up or down. For example, a poorly placed computer screen or poor posture can be a contributor to neck and shoulder pain. Lifting heavy objects repeatedly or holding one or both arms over your head for long periods of time may also cause pain in the neck and shoulders.
Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs are useful for reducing the swelling that tend to accompany neck and shoulder pain. Heat therapy, muscle relaxants, and compression may be helpful once initial inflammation is relieved. Physical therapy focused on stretching and strengthening the soft tissues may be highly effective for patients looking to alleviate pain in the neck or shoulders.
Lower Back Pain
Almost every American adult has complained about lower back pain at some point in their working lives. Workers in shipping and manufacturing industries are especially vulnerable to lower back pain due to the excessive lifting, bending, and twisting motions they must perform during their workdays.
Treatment
Pain medications and physical therapy can bring lasting relief for lower back pain. Nerve-blocking injections are also effective in reducing pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine.
Tennis Elbow
Epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, refers to pain in the outer elbow joint. Repetitive motion or strain on the arm can cause inflammation in the tendons surrounding the elbow and lead to pain. At work, people who are tasked with lifting items regularly throughout the day, even if they are relatively light, may be at increased risk of developing this condition.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatments, such as ice packs and physical therapy, are often effective for people who suffer from tennis elbow. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve more severe pain. Surgery that repairs the underlying damage caused by epicondylitis may be necessary to restore full range of motion without pain in severe cases.
Rotator Cuff
Carpenters, painters and others who must work with items over their heads are most likely to receive a rotator cuff injury in the workplace. Pain and immobility in the shoulder and general weakness in the arm are symptoms of a tear in the rotator cuff.
Treatment
Rest, ice packs, and compression are typically the first line of treatment for a rotator cuff injury. Physical therapy that improves muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion may also be effective. Some patients may require surgery to repair the tear.
Additional Help
Taking appropriate breaks, being intentional about body mechanics, providing training and support for workers, and adjusting the workplace to provide better ergonomic support can help to prevent workplace injuries and aid in recovery.