 |
Dr.Kimberly Huynh |
|
February 19, 2022 · 5 min |
Experience a fall at work? Are you constantly sitting at work? Hurt your low back from improperly carrying something heavy? Develop numbness and tingling in your hands from computer work?
Regardless of how you hurt yourself, once work injuries occur it can tremendously affect your daily life. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries at work are the leading cause of work-related disabilities and health insurance claims of Canadian workers. The Canadian Chiropractic Association estimates 85% of the Canadian working force will experience an episode of back pain in their lifetime.
MSK conditions can affect anyone, however, workers who have repetitive tasks or workers with heavy physical demands are more at risk for overuse injuries or damage to tissue over time.
Aside from treatment, chiropractors can also help you improve your work ergonomics to prevent further injury. Having the following fundamentals below in mind can help with the prevention of work-related injuries.
Sitting
Poor posture while sitting can put a strain on your lower back, decrease blood flow to the working muscles, and cause muscle fatigue. The stronger the “core” muscles of your abdomen is, the easier it will be to maintain good posture
Try sitting with your feet flat on the ground in front of you, your back comfortably straight, shoulders squared, and chin parallel with the floor.
Additional Tips:
• Take frequent breaks (30-50 mins) by doing stretches or a quick walk around
• Every time you pick up the phone try answering it while standing up, (even if it is for a few seconds)
• Make sure your computer screen is at eye level
• Use book stands to read documents
• Use an ergonomic office chair
Lifting
Lifting or handling objects incorrectly can cause back injuries such as muscle strains or spinal disc compression. Learning how to lift and handle heavy loads properly and safely can help with injury prevention and avoid back pain.
|
Proper lifting includes flexing the hips, known as ‘hip hinging’, and flexing the knees. Low back bending is avoided as much as possible to prevent injury. Additional Tips: • Look ahead • Keep the load close to your waist • Try not to bend the back even further while lifting • Do not twist low back while lifting • Practice hip hinging exercises such as squats and deadlifts |
|
Moving If your job requires lots of moving it is good to keep in mind your body limits and to move intentionally. It is good to take a quick stretch break and rest every 30 minutes or when needed.
Chiropractic care for work-related MSK conditions allows you to return to work faster than standard medical treatment, providing substantial savings in overall healthcare cost, while reducing the risk of recurrence. Chiropractors are experts in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of MSK conditions. At the clinic, part of recovery includes chiropractic and soft tissue therapy, a return-to-work plan including active rehab, and self-management strategies to prevent work injuries.
Work can be stressful. Take the stress off your back and visit a chiropractor to develop a healthy pain-free back, so you can live your best life. We direct bill and work with Work Safe BC and other health insurance companies to help you with your pain. For a complimentary consultation or any other inquiries give us a call at (604) 496-0626, email at info@paradisechiropractic.ca, or book online.
Five office ergonomic tips. OCA. (2021, May 28). Retrieved January 28, 2022, from https://chiropractic.on.ca/self-management/five-office-ergonomics-tips/
Malik, A. (2015, February 26). Chiropractic care for work-related pain & injury. Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) - Association chiropratique canadienne. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://chiropractic.ca/blog/chiropractic-care-for-work-related-pain-injury/
Malik, A. (2019, August 22). How chiropractors can help workplace injuries. Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) - Association chiropratique canadienne. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://chiropractic.ca/blog/workplace-injuries-how-chiropractors-can-help-workers/
