Work Related Injuries
Work-related injuries are common, and in many cases, avoidable. Every seven seconds, a worker is injured on the job. These injuries can range from minor to severe, life-altering disabilities. When you’re at work, it’s important to keep your health top-of-mind and do everything you can to avoid injury.
Common Workplace Injuries
Every job comes with its own hazards that can cause an injury to occur. The most common workplace injuries include the following:
Slips, trips, and falls.
This is how most workplace injuries happen. Slipping on a wet floor, for example, can cause a soft tissue injury or even a broken bone.
Repetitive strain injury.
Many employers still don’t take these types of injuries seriously, but they’re one of the most common types of injuries that occur in the workplace. Regular use of a keyboard can, for example, cause carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems, and vision issues. Forceful or repetitive actions, such as lifting heavy objects, can cause injury over time.
Motor vehicle accidents.
For those who drive for a living, accidents can occur even when the employee is obeying all laws and taking necessary precautions. Paying extra attention while driving can help you avoid accidents.
Being hit by falling objects.
This workplace injury typically involves an object that falls from a shelf or is dropped by another employee. Head injuries are the most common result of being hit by a falling object and can cause cuts, concussions, or even blindness.
Muscle strain.
If your job involves heavy lifting, you need to take extra precautions to avoid straining your muscles. Using proper lifting techniques and asking for assistance when needed helps avoid these types of injuries.
Back Pain Treatments
If you’ve injured your back at work, it’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek treatment from a medical professional. By getting your injury documented, you can avoid paying for all of your treatment out-of-pocket. Common treatments for back pain include:
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help with the pain. Talk to your doctor before taking any over the counter medications.
Prescription pain relievers, including corticosteroids, opioids, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches can be prescribed by your doctor to help manage your pain.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and IDET (intradiscal electrothermal therapy) can also reduce the pain associated with a back injury.
Physical therapy by a licensed professional, including heat and cold treatments, dry needling, pain relief exercises, strengthening exercises, and low-impact aerobics can be effective for treating back pain.
Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and can trigger the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, which helps relieve pain.
Occupational Therapy Treatment
Occupational therapy is a cost-effective strategy to speed up an employee’s recovery and return to work. Through a customized intervention, an occupational therapist can help improve a patient’s ability to perform everyday activities at home and at work.
Some of the most common injuries treated by occupational therapists include repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling of thumb tendons, and sprains and strains.
Occupational Therapy at Baptist Health
If you’ve been injured by a workplace hazard, find a Baptist Health provider near you today.
