Did you know that work-related pain lowers work productivity and increases job dissatisfaction?
In the United Kingdom alone, work-related back pain costs businesses 635 million pounds a year and is the most costly and common occupational health problem!1 The most common occupation associated with work-related problems is teachers, where between 45-90% are affected. 2 However, it’s not all doom and gloom! Research has shown that tailored rehabilitation, ergonomic training including improving your work environment and posture it can significantly decrease musculoskeletal pain.3
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are pains that are a combination of repetitive strain and cumulative trauma disorders that stem from workplace risks.4 These conditions are increasingly prominent in patients that are heavy users of computers, which are normally associated with pain and numbness to areas including all areas of the spine, shoulders, elbow, wrist, and hands.
Firstly, it is important to note that the act of sitting itself is not enough to increase your risk of getting pain. However, if you are sitting for extended periods of time and combining it with awkward postures with little physical activity, it does increase the risk. With decreased joint mobility, it increases the amount of energy you need to maintain and stabilize the position. Hence, often leading to overworking certain muscles and other joints.7 The symptoms are often exaggerated, especially if you have poor posture or regularly do repetitive awkward movements.8
Desk assessments or consultations
Manual therapy treatment
Rehabilitation exercise programs
Keeping active
Manual therapy is often recommended for work-related injuries and your osteopath should tailor your treatment for your personal case. Treatments will often use a range of gentle movements to increase the range of motion as well as reduce any muscle tension and pain you may have. Different massage techniques and stretches to release any muscle spasms.
Osteopaths, depending on your diagnosis, age, and general health may manipulate your neck which is a technique that may cause the joint to ‘click’ which is proven to decrease pain and disability.9,10 Subsequently, exercise therapies have been developed as a preventive treatment in order to strengthen, improve the function, quality of life, and reduce pain levels of work-related injuries including spinal pain. Regular exercise also helps to limit or reduce the episodes of lower back pain that you get.
Desk assessments or consultations
Manual therapy treatment
Rehabilitation exercise programs
Keeping active
Therefore, make sure you stay active! Need expert advice? Speak to an osteopath today to find out how you can live your life pain-free!