Work Injuries
Work injuries are very common and can happen in many forms of employment, from hard labor to office positions. In 2020, private employers reported 2.7 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries. There were also over 4,750 fatal injuries in the United States in the same year.
An injury is defined as work-related if it occurred in the workplace or the workplace contributed to or substantially aggravated an existing issue. Essentially, any injury that takes place in the workplace is a work injury. The same applies if something done at work caused the injury or made it worse.
While many types of injuries can occur in the workplace, a few of the most common include slips and falls, carpal tunnel syndrome, back and neck issues, repetitive motion injuries, and overexertion.
Risk factors vary by position but some will be seen more often in the modern workplace. A few of the things to watch out for as they can elevate your risk include the following:
- Awkward posture
- Extreme temperatures
- Force
- Glare
- Insufficient lighting
- Material handling
- Mechanical
- compression
- Repetition
- Vibration
For example, someone on a factory floor might have heightened risks due to material handling and extreme temperatures. Another person who works in a cubicle might have awkward posture, repetition, and glare as risk factors that make work injuries more likely.
As with risk factors, symptoms may be different from those in one position to the next. However, we’ll offer insight into the most common symptoms and signs that you may have experienced a work injury.
- Back stiffness or pain
- Reduced movement range or pain in the neck
- Shoulder stiffness, pain, inability to raise, or weakness down arms
- Knee pain, swelling, stiffness, limited movement, or reduced mobility
- Elbow weakness, pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Tingling or numbness in certain extremities, such as legs, back, fingers, and wrist
- Joint stiffness, weak lower or upper limbs, inability to do tasks without decreased movement or pain
- Increasing or progressive pain, difficulty moving, stiffness, popping, clicking, swelling, or discomfort in the joints
While other risk symptoms may arise, this gives you an idea of what work injuries might cause. If you have other symptoms of an injury from work, you also may need to seek treatment for the problem.
The type of treatment best for an injury will depend on what it is and where it is located. For example, those experiencing overexertion can try NSAIDs, physical therapy, massage, joint injections, or ice therapy to help. Surgery could be another option in serious cases.
If someone slips and falls at work, a cast, splinting, or immobilization may be needed. Sometimes surgery is required, as well as treatment of wounds like cuts and lacerations.
Modern Pain Consultants is proud to assist people who have experienced a work injury. We offer a variety of treatment options for injuries ranging from slip and fall to back and neck issues. Reach out to us today to set an appointment. A staff member will help you get started on the journey to recovery.