ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page

Work Related Injuries

Back Clinic Work-Related Injuries Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Team. Work injuries and conditions can occur from a variety of circumstances, altering an individual’s lifestyle, however, those that occur in the work field can often also be debilitating and impairing, affecting an individual’s work performance. Work-related injuries can include bone fractures and muscle strains/sprains to conditions causing degeneration of many structures of the body, such as arthritis.

Also referred to as occupational injury, repetitive and constant motions of the hands, arms, shoulders, neck and back, among others, can gradually wear out the tissues, increasing the risk of injury which could eventually lead to further complications. A collection of articles depicts the causes and effects of many work-related injuries, carefully describing each variety. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.


Back/Spine Care and Standing Work  El Paso, Texas

Back/Spine Care and Standing Work El Paso, Texas

Back/spine injuries now rank either second or third overall for workplace injury/s. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every year there are over 900,000 cases of back injuries that account for 1 in 4 non-fatal job-related injuries that involve work days missed.�

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Back/Spine Care and Standing Work  El Paso, Texas

Backcare & Standing Work

Back injuries can be painful, debilitating, and life-changing. 8 out of 10 people will experience a back/spine injury that can lead to chronic pain and health conditions. We all need to know, especially those of us that work standing up is firsthand knowledge of how important it is learning how to improve spine health and take steps to prevent back injury.

In order to prevent low back disorders means that there needs to be an understandingof the spine when working along with knowledge of back injury risk factors.

 

Back/Spine Basics

The spine is a flexible structure that consists of 24 bones that move, shift, and contort, called vertebrae. There are:

  • 7 in the neck
  • 12 in the chest
  • 5 in the low back

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Back/Spine Care and Standing Work  El Paso, Texas

 

These are connected by ligaments and separated by pads of cartilage, called intervertebral discs. These are the shock absorbers that allow the flexible movement of the spine, specifically at the neck and the low back.

When we stand, the spine naturally curves inwards and outwards. The inward curve is called lordosis, and curves towards the front of the body at the lower back and neck area. The outward curve is called kyphosis, and curves towards the back of the body around the chest area. When we bend over the vertebrae of the lower back change position and shift from being in lordosis to kyphosis when completely bent over and then back again when upright. With this information, it is easy to see how much we move around, bend, stretch and reach during a regular day. The lower back gets used the most, which is why low back pain and injury/s and disorders are the most common.

 

yoga standing forward bend pose

Causes of Low Back/Spine Pain:

  • Muscles or ligaments get strained
  • Added pressure on the intervertebral discs
  • Nerve/s get compressed or entrapped
  • Vertebra gets damaged from trauma�

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health concluded: �muscle strain is the most common type of work or nonwork back pain� (Bernard, 1997). This is good news for chiropractors and ergonomists because it means that we can find ways to reduce/change the way we work and the effort involved to minimize injury risks.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Back/Spine Care and Standing Work  El Paso, Texas

 

Keeping the intervertebral discs healthy plays an extremely significant role in preventing back/spine injuries. If these discs get damaged and start to degenerate,�flexibility begins to fade away, stiffness and soreness sets in and the ability to absorb the daily pressure/forces that comes with standing, moving and working.

There is not a normal blood supply to the intervertebral discs. Instead, as the discs change shape when we move around, the nutrients that they need are absorbed into the discs as the waste products are pumped out. This is why moving the body and staying active is very important. Because as you move you are literally feeding your spine and expelling the bad stuff. Intermittently changing postures and positions helps change the force and weight on the discs so that not all one area is taking the brunt of the force. Remember to move around and keep your spine as healthy as possible.

 

Risk factors

Major risk factors for back injuries include:

  • Awkward postures
  • Bending
  • Twisting�
  • Heavy physical tasks
  • Lifting
  • Forceful movements
  • Whole-body vibration aka W.B.V.
  • Static or unmoving work postures

These risks can happen separately or could be a combination of them all, and if these risks are taking place at any one time the higher probability of an injury/s.

Standing Work

When we stand, the pressure on the�lower back discs is relatively low. Not that there is pressure but it is much lower than when seated with an unsupported backrest like bleachers for example. Standing up uses 20% more energy than sitting does. When we need to bend down to pick up objects or reach to get overhead objects there is an increase in the forces and pressure on the lower back, and this is when an injury is likely to happen.

 

Tips to Minimize Injury

Here are some tips to help minimize your risks of back/spine injury when you are doing standing work:

  1. Moving around is important to keep the spine healthy. Moving will help improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.
  2. Taking consistent short breaks will help reduce fatigue, discomfort and work other muscles.
  3. Gentle stretching during some of these breaks helps to ease muscle tension and gets circulation pumping.
  4. Pay attention to your posture and the way you stand as you work.
  5. Lean on a solid support to help reduce fatigue when you are standing with a support that you can put your back up against, lean against sideways, lean forwards against and to hold on to will increase safety.
  6. Keep your back strong and try to do exercises that will strengthen the back muscles. Activities, like Yoga, Crossfit, HITT or workouts focused on the spine for flexibility are the way to go.
  • Maintain a stable posture with your feet on a firm surface.
  • Avoid twisting the lower back around to reach for things.
  • Move your feet so that your whole body changes position.
  • Minimize bending, but when you have to, bend for objects in front of you and bend at the knees instead of the back. When bending for objects that are to the side of you change your stance so you are facing the object, and then bend down at the knees.
  • Don’t overreach but if you have to reach up to a high area to get something use a step-ladder.
  • Don’t reach over objects and move the obstruction or change your position before reaching for whatever it is.

 

Low Back Pain? Fix it with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx

 


 

NCBI Resources

The one size fits all method just doesn�t cut it. A more focused approach for every individual leads to better results. Patients find that placing their bodies in certain positions and certain physical activities can:

  • Activate
  • Aggravate
  • Deactivate�their back pain.

Patients also find the pain being either better or worse. Understanding why sitting, standing, and walking can change the severity of low back pain can be helpful in diagnosis. These are important cues that help to diagnose and treat low back pain. People sit, stand, and walk all day. This is why so much research has been conducted on how these specific positions and activities contribute to low back pain.

 

A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Work/Job Ergonomics

In today’s workforce, many jobs place workers at a higher risk for a back injury. The list is pretty extensive and may surprise you! Individuals that have suffered a� neck or back injury at work know the cost goes beyond lost wages. The impact of these injuries on employees, employers, and the economy is staggering.

In a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million cases of non-fatal occupational injuries and in 2018.� Of these cases, more than 50% lost time from work, transferred to a different job, or restricted work activity. Not all of these cases were spine-related injuries. However, 880,000 cases were back pain-related injuries.

The World Health Organization’s International Labour Office says that the problem is global.

Musculoskeletal diseases are a very common part of 270 million non-fatal work/job accidents where employees missed at least 3 workdays.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

 

Risky Jobs

Occupational safety experts gather all kinds of information that they factor. This includes job requirements, work environment, and work station set up. In compiling the list of risky occupations, here are some of the criteria:

  • Heavy physical work
  • Forceful lifting movements
  • Bending
  • Twisting
  • Awkward work postures
  • Whole-body vibration
  • Static work postures like standing/sitting but never changing position compounds the risks to workers.

Two occupations that lead the list of jobs placing workers at the highest risk are construction and nurses/nursing home workers. Workers in both of these jobs tend to share the under-reporting of work-related injuries. This happens as the employees fear they will lose their job and cannot afford to take any time off.

Construction Workers

Employees at a construction site are repeatedly lifting, bending, carrying, pulling, and tugging. These repetitive movements lead to overuse injuries and back strain/sprains are a common part of this. More than 30% of workers have to miss job time. Those that must climb ladders or work on scaffolds have a greater risk of falling. This is where some serious spinal injuries can occur, causing disability and sometimes being fatal.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Nurses/Nursing Workers

Nursing homes and employment opportunities are growing from elderly population growth. These workers are at high risk for back pain and spine injury. This comes from transferring patients’ from their beds, bathtub, and bathroom facilities. All these actions require lifting, carrying, holding, pulling, pushing, and turning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly all back and shoulder injuries are the result of moving patients.

 

back pain in el paso tx.

Warehouse Workers

This is another job that requires lifting, along with using forceful movements, bending, twisting, carrying, and placing the body in awkward positions. Sometimes these workers have to drive a truck or an industrial vehicle that creates whole-body vibration. Continual exposure to vibration can cause backache and soreness that can lead to lost work time.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 A High-Risk Job, Your Spine, and Back Injury El Paso, Texas

Dentists and Surgeons

Both of these professions involve prolonged standing, stooping, bending, and awkward body positioning. Not to mention the mental strain that diverts the doctor’s attention to proper posture and body mechanics that results in injury and pain.

 

Landscapers

The American Chiropractic Association puts landscapers in the top 10 list of jobs that cause back pain. This job puts these workers at a greater risk for cumulative trauma disorders. All the tasks that a landscaper has to do that include hedge trimming, tree pruning, and planting. These actions/movements involve lifting, reaching, bending, and stooping. This is a perfect set up for an overuse back injury.

Hand tools that get used over and over can cause painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is when the nerves and blood vessels become compressed between the neck and shoulder.

 

Store Cashier

Grocery and retail store cashiers require workers to stand in one place for a long time. This along with the repetitive motions of scanning, typing, opening, closing combined with bagging and lifting bags over and over can cause neck, shoulder, back, leg and foot pain. Over half of checkout workers complain of back pain.

 

Other High-Risk Jobs

  • Airline crews meaning pilots, baggage handlers,
  • Factory workers
  • Bakers
  • Bus
  • Cab drivers
  • Cable and telephone line installers
  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Hairstylists
  • Plumbers
  • Carpet installers/cleaners
  • Dry cleaners
  • Medical technicians
  • Farmers
  • Firefighters
  • Police
  • Maintenance workers
  • Automotive technicians
  • Office personnel
  • Professional athletes

 

Job Injury Prevention

We may not be able to instantly change our occupation, but there are steps to help prevent neck and back injuries. The key is workplace ergonomics and safety. Be proactive to help reduce workplace risk for neck and back injury and share what you learn with co-workers.


 

*BEST* Heel Spurs Treatment | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually.�This is the time when the symptoms are mild and come and go, so the individual just works through it and doesn�t think about it. It�s�not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong, and then they seek medical attention. Don�t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness�and you feel that it stems from your work�s repetitive movements, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor before it becomes excruciating.

 

Work/Personal Injuries from Repetitive Movements El Paso, Texas

Work/Personal Injuries from Repetitive Movements El Paso, Texas

Certain jobs or�dailyactivities require us to do the same action over and over again. It can be enjoyable but these repetitive movements can cause serious injury to the body. Most affected are the:

  • Hands
  • Wrists
  • Elbows
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Back

These injuries are quite common in the United States and are referred to as Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs).

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Work/Personal Injuries from Repetitive Movements El Paso, Texas

 

Repetitive Motion Disorders

Repetitive motion disorders are musculoskeletal conditions caused by movements/motions done over and over. RMDs can be caused by:

  • Muscle/ligament friction from unnatural or awkward motions like twisting the arm, wrist, hands or other areas of the body where repeated motions are used.
  • Incorrect posture/positioning when doing these movements.
  • Overdoing it, either trying to go faster or with added strength that really strains the muscles.

RMD’s cause symptoms because of muscle fatigue, inflammation, and swelling or compression of the nerve’s tissues. Examples include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist begin to pinch the nerves in the fingers and the muscles around the thumb.
  • Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that’s between the tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone/s.
  • Tendonitis�is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon/s.
  • Epicondylitis (elbow pain) is inflammation, soreness, and pain on the outside of the upper arm around the elbow.
  • Ganglion cyst occurs when tissues surrounding specific joints get inflamed and swell up with fluid.
  • Tenosynovitis happens when the lining of the sheath that surrounds a tendon gets inflamed.
  • Trigger finger can be a painful or painless clicking, snapping, or locking of a finger/s.

 

 

All of the above conditions can be caused by other means and not repetitive movement/s.

RMD Work Risk

Jobs vary all over, but if repetitive movements are how the job gets done those individuals have a higher risk to get a repetitive motion disorder. There are professions and activities that increase the risk that include:

  • Assembly/factory linework
  • Carpentry
  • Computer work like typing, digital/graphic design where a digital pad/pen and mouse are the main tools that have to keep moving
  • Gardening
  • Lifting children like at daycare
  • Meatpacking
  • Playing musical instruments
  • Sewing
  • Sports

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Work/Personal Injuries from Repetitive Movements El Paso, Texas

 

RMD Symptoms

Symptoms of these disorders can include:

  • Pain, soreness, pinching and stiffness in the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, neck and back
  • Tingling or numbness.
  • Swelling or redness around the area.
  • Loss of flexibility and strength.
  • There could be no visible sign of injury or pain, but individuals find that the normal and easy tasks they’re used to become more and more difficult to do.

Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually. This is the time when the symptoms are mild and come and go, so the individual just works through it and doesn’t think about it. It’s not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong, and then they seek medical attention. Don’t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness and you feel that it stems from your work’s repetitive movements, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor before it becomes excruciating.


 

*BEST* Heel Spurs Treatment | El Paso, Tx (2020)


 

NCBI Resources

Safely Operating Tools that Cause Whole-Body Vibration

There are power tools that vibrate no matter what and�transmit vibration into the operator�s arms and hands, legs, and feet.�Using a tool like this can cause a condition called white finger or�Raynaud�s Phenomenon�to present.

The symptoms include:

  • Aching in the wrists and muscles of the forearm
  • Tingling sensations
  • Numbness
  • Whiteness in the fingers from restricted circulation

This type of vibration from riveting tools, grinders, pneumatic hammers, drills, and chain saws will affect the whole body�s well being.

 

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

How RMD’s affect the spine

Most repetitive motion injuries or RMDs affect the arms and hands. However, they can also happen in the spine.

The majority of back injuries, especially in the workplace, are often the result of long-term repetitive wear and tear on the:

  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Spinal discs

Repetitive work motions like:

  • Pulling
  • Reaching
  • Twisting
  • Bending

All of these movements can weaken and stress the spine and increase the risk of injury.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Treatment for RMD’s

When first treating an RMD, the first step is to reduce or stop the motions that are causing the symptoms. Other therapies include:

  • Ice therapy reduces pain and swelling.
  • Medications like cortisone and anti-inflammatory’s also reduce pain and swelling.
  • Chiropractic/Physical therapy relieves soreness and pain in the muscles and joints and strengthens the muscles to help prevent future injuries.
  • Splints relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves.
  • Surgery in rare cases can help relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Change of Weather Worsening Back Pain El Paso, TX.

Prevention

RMDs can be prevented. Here are some important tips to reduce�repetitive motion injury:

  • Take frequent breaks to avoid overuse of muscles with little rest breaks of whatever muscles/ligaments you are using.
  • Regular exercise along with stretching and relaxation helps build strength, increase mobility, range of motion and prevent future injury.
  • Look at your posture to make sure it is correct for the task at hand. This helps the elbows, wrists, hands, and spine maintain alignment during repetitive motions.
  • Don’t stay in a single position for too long. Change your posture frequently during any type of activity to relax one set of muscles and use another set, then switch and so on and so forth.
  • Practicing correct form and technique will go a long way in preventing a repetitive injury.
  • Avoid over-reaching, stretching and twisting.
  • Use protective equipment and gear.
  • Have a properly designed workstation with office or work equipment at the proper height, distance and allows you to work safely and comfortably.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Staying Healthy

Staying healthy and avoiding RMD’s is first priority if you work at a job or regularly participate in activities where repetitive motion/s and movement/s are used.

Give yourself time to rest, exercise, and implement proper techniques. See a doctor or injury chiropractor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed. Ergonomically evaluating the causes is an important part of the diagnostic evaluation for patients with these conditions.

Therefore, mapping out a customized treatment plan for changing the way you work/perform these motions is the ultimate goal.

We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs.

We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. I have made a life of taking care of every one of my patients.


 

The “LIFE CHANGING” Foot Orthotics | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

Barring traumatic injury due to an accident, working in a factory environment can cause problems with mobility, pain, and flexibility. The�nature of the job�places specific demands on the human body that can lead to certain types of injuries and health conditions, which include:

  • Repetitive motion injury � When a worker performs the same task that involves the same movements over and over, it can lead to certain types of injuries. Carpal tunnel is a common repetitive motion injury.
  • Overexertion � Lifting, pulling, even standing can take a toll on the body, especially when it is done without adequate breaks. The person can get muscle fatigue, pulled muscles, and pulled tendons.
  • Body movement injuries � When the worker is continuously reaching, twisting, crawling, and bending, it can cause problems with the muscles and joints.

 

Working With an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse El Paso, TX.

Working With an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse El Paso, TX.

Keyboards and mice come in all sorts of colors and styles, which is great but for those that work on a computer for a job, using the right type is essential to prevent injury keeping the hands, wrists, and arms healthy and moving.

Overuse can cause painful musculoskeletal disorders like:

There are a variety of ergonomic designs for these devices. Keyboard designs include four separate key areas:

  • The alphanumeric area with letters, numbers, and control keys
  • An area with cursor keys
  • Numeric keypad
  • Function keys or the ‘F’ keys

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Working With an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse El Paso, TX.

 

Keyboard Key Combinations or The Mouse

Basic typing and many other actions can be performed on the keyboard using the:

  • Function keys
  • Cursor keys
  • Control keys
  • Keyboard macros

Pretty much all of these actions can be done with the mouse. Many users operate the computer with the mouse instead of using the key combinations.

To obtain correct posture when working align the center of your body with the center of the keyboard area used the most or during a task.

Keyboard Layout

The layout follows the original ASDF design from the first typewriter.

From the beginning of this design, there was a realization that angling and splitting the keys would reduce the bending of the hands. The first split keyboard typewriter was manufactured in 1886.

The idea of splitting and angling the keys was implemented into ergonomic keyboard designs with the alphanumeric keys being separated at an angle into two sloped sections. For a� non-touch typist, this can be difficult to use, as some keyboards only angle the keys without splitting into halves.

The split design reduces the sideways bending of the hand but also important is the reduction of vertical bending.

However, this can be overcome by taking some simple steps like:

  • Flattening the keyboard feet on the desk can keep the hands flat
  • Putting the keyboard on a vertical tilted tray can also help improve the hands’ posture
  • Keyboards are available in left and right-handed styles

 

Lady sitting with proper posture at office desk

Choosing a Mouse

The shape along with the location of the mouse in relation to the keyboard is important for maintaining a healthy hand posture. Here are some considerations when choosing a mouse. The mouse buttons should:

  1. Have easy clickability
  2. Is easy to move around/feels natural
  3. The screen cursor should move accurately with your movements

There are mice with programmable buttons allowing you to control additional functions. Important things to check:

  • Make sure the size and shape of the mouse feels natural in your hand
  • Hold the mouse in a neutral position meaning your hand should not be bent up, down or sideways
  • Position and operate the mouse with your upper arm relaxed and close to your body, and don’t reach too far forward or too far out to the side

There are keyboards with a separate numeric pad that allows the mouse to be located closer to the keyboard. Some keyboards include a cursor positioning device like a trackball, touchpoint or touchpad. These types eliminate having to reach for a mouse. However, it is a good practice to mix it up using the keyboard for certain operations and the mouse for others. This allows different muscles and ligaments to work while the others take a break.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Working With an Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse El Paso, TX.

The Ideal Setup

All keyboards and mice are designed differently. The key is to find well-made products that are built with ergonomic injury prevention as the focus. You can use trackballs, touchpads, and pen mice instead of a regular mouse.

Find what works for you, is ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use and will keep your hands in a neutral posture. If you do a lot of typing and mouse movement, your hands are going to get tired even with top designed keyboards and mice. Take frequent short rest and stretch breaks to let your muscles recover. The stretching exercises should include the:

  • Wrist
  • Forearm muscles
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Upper back muscles

Working like this will protect you against over-use injuries.


Carpal Tunnel Chiropractic Treatment

 


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractic care is one of the most common forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic will evaluate the extent of the condition as well as diagnose the individual to determine any underlying cause behind the condition. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations, the hand, wrist, and arm are adjusted to reduce the pressure around the median nerve, and ultimately reducing the symptoms.

 

Work Ergonomics, Injuries and Office Breaks

Work Ergonomics, Injuries and Office Breaks

Creating a healthy, safe ergonomic work environment is important to protect your back, neck and whole body. Just by taking simple breaks and enhancing your workspace with a sit-stand desk will protect your spine and general health.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Work Ergonomics, Injuries and Office Breaks

Break Taking

Working in the same position and using the same muscles, joints, and ligaments for hours is not good for any part of your body. Ergonomists are lifestyle scientists that design spaces/equipment/tools to reduce discomfort, fatigue, and injury, agree that taking frequent and brief rest breaks is essential for total and optimal body health. And, it�s not just your legs that need a break every now and then.

 

At work, start practicing:

Eye breaks: Looking at the computer screen for a long time changes how the eyes work. What happens is you blink less and expose the eyes to the air. Therefore, every 15 minutes look away from the screen for a minute or two to a distant area that is at least 20 feet away or further. This allows the muscles in the eye to relax. Also, blink your eyes real quick for a few seconds. This refreshes the tear ducts and clears dust from the surface of the eyes.

 

Micro-breaks: These are breaks that are less than two minutes and perfect to utilize between office jobs. Most people work in bursts rather than continuously. So in between these bursts�take a rest in a:

  • Relaxed
  • Flat
  • Straight posture

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Work Ergonomics, Injuries and Office Breaks

 

These breaks are short but perfect for stretching, standing up, and moving around, or switching to a different task like making a phone call or making some copies, etc. These types of breaks are a break from using the same set of muscles over and over.

Rest breaks: These you want to do every 30 to 60 minutes. This is the break to, get up, move around, and do something else non-office related. Go get a beverage, quick conversation with a coworker, or take a walk around the office or building. As long it’s within reason. This allows your body and mind to empty and workout different muscles. Practice this and the feeling of tiredness will be a thing of the past.

Exercise breaks: This is purely a stretching and gentle exercise break to do to relieve muscle fatigue. These should be done every one to two hours.

Ergonomic software: It is easy to lose track of how long you’ve been working. There is software that monitors how long you’ve been on the computer and will alert you to take a break at different intervals and offer easy ergonomic exercises to keep your muscles loose and in top office shape.

 

Ergonomic Products

There are plenty of products out there to improve your workplace environment and promote top spine health. Consider an ergonomic chair, computer accessories, or sit-stand desk to help maintain proper posture.

 

Posture

 

These products can be adjusted and customized to your needs. They encourage healthy long-term habits that can reduce and prevent various types of injuries. Sit-to-stand desks allow transition from sitting to a standing position. Varying your posture throughout the day is highly beneficial to general health and even helps to burn extra calories.

These ergonomic products are for creating a healthy/safe work environment. Therefore take some time to research the product you are interested in before buying.� Here are a few questions to think about:

  • Do the manufacturer’s claims make sense or are too good to be true?
  • Is there evidence that can support their claims?
  • Is it a cheap knock-off? Knock off products should be avoided as they can worsen and create more injuries. However, when it comes to the brand name products, don’t go for the fully loaded models that could cost quite a bit, instead find something in the middle but that still meets ergonomic standards.
  • Are you comfortable using the product?
  • What do experts/reviews say about the product? If it’s not recommended then don’t use it.

Some products can feel strange or uncomfortable because they make you change the way you work. Don’t panic, as this is the point of the product that you have to get used to. But it will be beneficial to your overall health. However, if a product continues to feel uncomfortable or causes pain after short use, then discontinue using and try something else.

Improving spinal health and hygiene at work is as simple as taking breaks for light stretching, walking around, and utilizing ergonomic office products to stay fit and injury-free. Whatever you choose, understand how your back and neck are moving/functioning during the workday/night by using ergonomic practices that will keep your body/mind healthy and prevent office injuries.


 

Control *FOOT MOTION & POSTURE* with Functional Foot Orthotics | El Paso, Tx (2019)

 


 

NCBI Resources

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that�s been in existence for many years. Keeping their work environments safe and efficient and traditionally concerned with factory workers, ergonomic professionals have expanded their work to include all types of workers from laborers to seniors to office workers & students.

It looks for means to improve our environment to lower the risks of illness and harm, enhance productivity, and improve the caliber of our work life.

 

Construction Workers Benefit From Chiropractic | El Paso, Tx.

Construction Workers Benefit From Chiropractic | El Paso, Tx.

Every day construction workers lift, stoop, bend, reach, push, pull, twist, and climb. It�s no wonder that 25% of construction worker injuries are to the back. An estimated 1 in every 100 construction workers misses work because of a back injury with an average of seven missed work days. Many just power through the pain which isn�t healthy and can lead to further injury and pain. Repeated back injury and failure to take care of the back by taking proactive steps to prevent injury, can lead to permanent damage, even disability. That can end a construction worker�s career.

Chiropractic care can help keep the spine healthy so construction workers can stay on the job and be pain-free. Regular treatment can offset the stress that is put on the body each day in this rigorous, physically demanding profession. There are several benefits that a construction worker can gain from seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis.

It helps to maintain mobility

When muscles are stiff and sore, it is natural to try to avoid moving too much. When a person has pulled muscles, or they have a muscle strain, their first instinct is to protect that area. This can lead to stiffness and lack of mobility, especially if the pain is in the back. A painful lower back can make it difficult to move your legs, bend, or even move about normally. Chiropractic helps to relieve the pain and reduce the stiffness so that mobility is restored.

The range of motion is improved

Stiffness can lead to a limited range of motion. If the spine is out of alignment, it can decrease flexibility and significantly limit the joint�s range of motion, whether it�s the back, shoulders, legs, or neck. Chiropractic brings the spine into the correct alignment which improves range of motion.

construction workers chiropractic benefits el paso tx.

Chiropractic helps to relieve back pain

Studies show that chiropractic is very effective in relieving back pain. It can significantly decrease the pain, but in most cases, it completely alleviates it.

In one study, 73% of the participants reported an improvement in their back pain. This means fewer missed days of work and much more productive on the job. This is one of the most common reasons that people seek chiropractic care, but it isn�t the only reason. It can help with so much more.

Corrects muscle imbalance

Workers who perform repetitive motions can experience muscular imbalance. This means that some muscles are tight (the ones being used) and others are not being worked as hard. It can cause pain in the area of the muscle as well as in other parts of the body.

A chiropractor can perform a technique called myofascial release to loosen the tight muscles. At the same time, they will recommend exercises for the muscles that don�t get worked as often so that the body can come back into balance. Muscular imbalance can also cause spinal misalignment so the chiropractor will also do an adjustment to bring the whole body back into balance.

Helps the body heal from injuries

Construction injuries are fairly common on a worksite. Most are fairly minor and tend to be ignored by the person until they are in so much pain they can�t function properly. Back strain is a common ailment among construction workers, and it can put someone out of commission for a week or more.

Chiropractic care helps the body heal faster and more efficiently by focusing on the whole body instead of just the part that hurts. The patient receives the treatments at the chiropractor�s office then goes home with advice on lifestyle changes, supplements, and exercises to facilitate and speed healing.

For anyone in the construction industry, especially if their position is physically demanding, regular chiropractic care just makes sense. It keeps the spine healthy and the body moving as it should. It is a simple, natural, effective way to help the body function correctly � because pain is not normal.

Lower Back Bain Pain Chiropractic Relief