Depending on the work environment, different injuries can occur, either due to accidents or repetitive tasks that affect other muscles.
Most common injuries
- Fractures
- Multiple traumatic injuries.
- Tendinitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries.
- Cuts and tears.
- Burns from coming into contact with hot materials.
- Chemical burns
Origin of injuries
Each injury has its origin in daily activities of working life, some of which are preventable. While it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment, each worker is responsible for taking precautions.
Reaction injuries
They are injuries caused by tripping and slipping without falling. These can cause trauma to the body, muscle conditions, and other medical problems.
Repetitive motion injuries in the office
Repetitive movements, such as using the computer, typing, or poor posture, can strain tendons and muscles and lead to back pain, ulnar nerve entrapment, or carpal tunnel syndrome, among other injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
It is usually caused by using the computer mouse for a long time, without adequate support. The syndrome appears due to the entrapment of the median nerve, in the wrist area, due to the widening of the tendons in the area and presents with fatigue and tingling in the fingertips in the wrists.
Treatment: After being evaluated by a medical professional, physical therapy, with manual therapy techniques, may be required. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
- How to prevent it? Ergonomic mouse pads and keyboards are recommended to avoid compression and inflammation of the nerve.
Low back pain and muscle contracture
These are the most common injuries in a desk job, as they usually occur from spending many hours sitting in the wrong position in front of the computer, causing the muscles to tense.
In addition to the pain and discomfort that it generates, it generally does not cause significant health consequences, but it can lead to cervical osteoarthritis in some cases.
- How to prevent it? You can adjust the height of your chair so that your knees stay at a 90-degree angle as you put your feet on the floor. Keep your posture correct, and most importantly, stretch at least three times a day.
Ulnar nerve entrapment
This injury appears due to the entrapment of the nerve present in the ulnar canal due to pressure from resting the elbows on solid surfaces for prolonged periods. The discomfort also appears with the presence of tingling in the forearms and wrists.
- How to prevent it? It is recommended to keep your elbows resting on soft surfaces such as the armrests of chairs or, failing that, place pads in the areas where you usually recharge.
Excessive effort
Injuries related to lifting, pulling, holding, pushing, throwing, and carrying objects.
Fall from an elevated area (such as roofs, stairs, and ladders)
Accidents can be caused by falls and slips or due to faulty equipment.
Falling objects
Objects that fall off shelves or that are dropped by someone else can cause severe injury. Head injuries are a typical result of this type of accident.
Tangle in machine
This injury usually occurs in a factory where heavy equipment and machinery are used. As a result, shoes, clothes, hair, and fingers can become entangled in them when precautions are not taken.
Prevention and treatment for workplace-related injuries
Training, diligence, and proper equipment and education are indispensable tools for reducing accidents and injuries. However, once the damage has occurred, it is necessary to attend to it, even if it is believed that it is not needed.
The type of injury depends on its treatment, but in many cases, it is possible to do it with physical therapy. So when you go to an expert in this matter, they should make a rigorous evaluation to determine the type of injury and how to treat it.
Combining over 18 years of experience, Dr. Munish Lal specializes in minimally invasive techniques to treat spinal pain that includes intervention procedures, spinal cord stimulation, and a comprehensive array of traditional pain management services.
His expertise ranges from diagnosing complicated and rare cases to pinpointing the source of back, neck, and other chronic pain conditions. He is a leading practitioner of state-of-the-art techniques. Call now to book your appointment!