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Work Related Injuries
Work related injuries are a common problem - one only has to think of how often we have heard the term RSI. To clarify some terminology first; Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) is a term used to describe people who suffer from diffuse pain anywhere in the arm and/or neck. It can be caused by repetitive or forceful activities or by poor posture. There are a number of different terms used to describe work related injuries which can be confusing. The most well known is probably Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Essentially WRULD and RSI refer to the same condition but the former is considered more appropriate because the condition may not arise from a strain or an injury and so the more general term encompasses all aspects of the problem.
One’s ergonomic environment is an important consideration in relation to WRULD or RSI. Ergonomic guidelines aim to find the best environment to suit your body and the work you carry out. Due to their expertise in musculo-skeletal function and movement, sports doctors and physiotherapists are well placed to analyse and advise on improving your work environment. There are many things you can do to improve your workspace without needing to buy expensive equipment. One of the first things to check is if your workstation is symmetrical e.g. is the monitor or place that your type and write straight in front of you? Are the files or equipment you access most frequently close to you and balanced on both the left and right sides? If you are sitting for long periods, you will need a supportive and adjustable chair and your feet should be flat on the floor - or on a foot stall if they don’t reach the floor. Finally, it is essentially to take regular breaks.
Pure Sports Medicine is concerned with the overall management of the problem, including recognising the factors which have pre-disposed the patient to developing the symptoms. This is nearly always repetitive tasks related to working postures e.g. keyboard typing. Treatment by a doctor or physiotherapist may include spinal mobilisation, soft tissue techniques for muscles, neural tissue mobilisation, postural muscle strengthening and possibly a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The object is to identify the tissues under strain, determine the cause, treat the condition and address the cause so that it doesn’t recur.