If you're a member of the American workforce, chances are you're at risk for acquiring a repetitive strain injury someplace in your body.
Most repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are the result of cumulative trauma that often goes unnoticed or undetected by patients until clinical symptoms manifest in the form of pain. RSIs can be caused by vibration, shaking, forceful exertion, sustained awkward positioning of the body or even sustained comfortable positioning — such as driving a car or truck for a long period of time.
RSIs occur with prolonged performance of a particular action. These injuries are thought to most frequently occur in the hands, wrists and elbows, but are not uncommon to other places in the body like the spine and hips.
RSIs can result in a wide range of disability from a minor nuisance to completely incapacitating. Typically, unless the aggravating factor is alleviated, the natural history of this type of injury is to worsen over time.
If you work in an environment that is repetitive in nature and seem to be developing odd joint pains without a significant cause, read on to see if your line of work fits into any of the following categories.
Administrative positions are fraught with potential RSIs. From improper desk and chair ergonomics to prolonged mousing, if you work at a computer you may be in more danger than you think. Making sure your workstation is at its optimal setting may be the cure to all your aches and pains. If you're unsure of how to set up your station, consult an ergonomics expert or speak to a supervisor if you're a part of a larger company.
Doctors, therapists and other outpatient clinicians spend a majority of their day on a stool, sliding around performing tests, treatments and documenting in charts. Prolonged sitting in a stool, however, often results in low back pain — especially if the stool is low to the ground. Raising the stool so it's further from the ground will help you maintain a safer position for your back. A new seating system may take some getting used to, but then again, you never really get used to having back pain.
Laborers need to watch out for low back injuries more than any other group of workers. Repeated lifting, twisting and bending are the movements most strongly correlated with disc bulging and herniation. Bending with your legs and keeping objects close to you is certainly a good way to minimize the stress of lifting, but proper mechanics take time to develop. Have someone with ergonomic lifting knowledge give you a spot-check to make sure you're on the right track.
Checkout clerks and cashiers must be sure to spare their hands as much as possible. Repetitive gripping (especially of oversized objects) is a good way to develop carpal tunnel syndrome along with other associated problems. Single-handed handling of large or heavy objects is an excellent way to get yourself into trouble. Use two hands for any item that weighs over a couple pounds — it's a good way to keep your hands healthy.
Professional chefs and individuals that love to cook run a high risk for developing various hand tendon injuries. Frequent chopping and lifting heavy pots may land you in hot water. Investing in equipment that minimizes stress on your body may resolve quite a bit of pain. Look through catalogues for adaptive kitchen equipment to help share the load of preparing the meal.
Joe DiVincenzo is a physical therapist and clinical specialist in manual therapy. He writes "On the Mend" weekly. Questions may be submitted to Joe by email: joedivincenzo@comcast.net.
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