Working in an office or manufacturing job where you repeat specific tasks or motions multiple times a day, puts you at risk for repetitive motion injuries. Typing, assembling, sewing, or construction workers are all high-risk jobs. Many people in these industries wonder if there are ways to prevent these muscle and tendon strains and avoid excruciating pain. Some exercises can help limit tense muscles while you are at work, but chiropractic care can also help slow the development of these injuries and limit your pain.
Elevate Wellness provides high-quality chiropractic care for a variety of injuries. We can help your body have better alignment and limit inflammation in some regions of the body. Read this blog to learn more about how to prevent repetitive motion injuries while you work.
What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?
Injuries like Carpal Tunnel, Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Rotator cuff injuries come from repeated motions. Other tasks that can cause these injuries include lifting heavy objects, maintaining bad posture for long periods of time, typing, or packaging items.
These injuries are caused by strained and torn tendons, nerves, and muscles. This causes shooting pains, numbness, and limited mobility in your arms and legs. You may also feel pain in your elbows, knees, fingers, and shoulders.
Tasks That Can Cause Repetitive Motion Injuries
One of the most common jobs that see repetitive motion injuries is an office or typing job. The process of typing, holding the phone, looking down at a computer screen, and bad posture can all lead to RSI’s.
Manufacturers can also develop carpal tunnel or tendinitis by doing the same installation or building motion all day. Drilling, cutting, and shoveling can all cause strained muscles. Doing things over and over can cause built-up tension and something as simple as picking up a pen could throw out your back.
Learn About Proper Work Ergonomics
Developing bad posture while working at a desk or standing in a manufacturing line will lead to pain in multiple areas of your body. One way to limit repetitive motion injuries is to learn proper ergonomics and sitting positions.
Some ways to improve your posture at work include:
- Don’t sit with your legs crossed
- Take time to stand and move around
- Organize your workstation so you don’t have to overreach
- Place your monitor at eye level
- Use a headset to answer phone calls rather than cradling it between your shoulder and ear
Look For Ways To Modify Tasks
Modifying your typing, assembling, writing, or bending can help you avoid pent-up tension and the need for surgery. Implement proper lifting techniques into your routine or do stretches on your lunch break.
If you are constantly doing the same task at work, look into how you can mix it up, or do a different job for one week. Switch between tasks more often, or look into taking a break from work altogether. Doing so will help limit the early onset of these injuries.
Take Stretch Breaks
Taking breaks from your desk and performing stretches during the day will help you avoid injuries and muscle tension. Wrist stretches, walks, or seated stretches will help keep your muscles strong and avoid strain on muscle groups. Staying in one position for too long can lead to cramps or spinal misalignment.
Stretching before the workday is also a great way to help get your blood flowing and prevent muscle weakness. Doing some yoga or mild stretching before working at a desk or on a production line will help you feel awake and rejuvenated.
Chiropractic Care From Elevate Wellness For Injuries
Our team at Elevate Wellness works to treat a variety of injuries and help limit inflammation in the body. No matter where you are experiencing pain or if you don’t currently have symptoms of any injury, our tested chiropractic methods can help you gain a better quality of life.
Chiropractic is not just for back pain, it can be an excellent tool for many different struggles. Car accidents, repetitive motion injuries, torn muscles, scoliosis, and more can all be made more manageable with the right chiropractic care. If you think that chiropractic is right for you, give us a call and schedule a consultation!
Leave a Reply