How To Treat Common Work-Related Injuries

Standing on your feet all day can be tiresome, and for this reason, you may seek a desk job. But if you’re hired to work in an office, don’t get excited too quickly. Sure, you’re able to sit down and rest your feet. However, you may deal with other issues. Believe it or not, office work can be hazardous to your health.

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How To Treat Common Work-Related Injuries

There are, however, several ways to avoid physical dangers. Here are four common work-related injuries and ways to treat them:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The repetitive motion of typing for eight hours a day increases your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition develops when swollen ligaments compress the nerves in your forearm. Pain and soreness can be felt in the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. Other symptoms can include tingling and numbness. Giving your hands a rest is the best way to ease carpal tunnel syndrome. But if you type on a daily basis, relief is often short-term. Over-the-counter remedies may relieve inflammation, as well as prescription medications and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery is necessary. To treat this condition minus surgery or drugs, modify habits that contribute to carpal tunnel. For example, if you’re required to type at work, you might suggest a dictation machine for your computer. This way, you can talk silently into a microphone and have your words appear on the computer screen. Another option: wear a wrist splint at night. This reduces pain and pressure on the median nerve.

2. Lower Back Pain

Hand and wrist pain aren’t the only annoyances when working in an office. Sitting in a chair for several hours can also induce pain. For this type of discomfort, it is important to maintain good posture. Avoid slouching and sit up straight. Swap out your chair for one with better lumbar support, or purchase a pillow to support your lower back. Additionally, it helps to rise from your chair once or twice an hour and stretch your back. Pacing the room while talking on the phone also gives your back a break.

3. Eyestrain

Staring at a computer for 40 hours a week also creates physical problems. Computer eyestrain can trigger tension headaches and fatigue. Your vision may become blurry, or you may deal with sensitivity to light or watery eyes. Although you can’t change the nature of your job, you can take steps to protect your eye health. Reduce the brightness of your computer screen. Wearing anti-glare computer glasses can help, as well as placing an anti-glare screen over your computer screen. Also, break up your work if possible. You might work on the computer for an hour and then tackle non-computer related assignments for an hour.

4. Germs And Bacteria

Desks can be breeding grounds for bacteria and germs that make you sick. Remnants of your lunch can get stuck between your keyboards, and phones and mouses are typically the dirtiest items on a desk. Keeping cubicles and workstations sanitized is the best way to avoid contact with germs. Stash antibacterial wipes under your desk and clean surfaces daily. There are perks to office work. But if you’re not careful, you might wish for a mobile job. Even an office job can result in work-related injuries. However, knowing the potential health risks of office work can significantly reduce any physical impact.