The most common work injuries that can affect your spine

The majority of injuries at work are not due to accidents, but are due to poor posture due to being in a bad position for a long time or due to muscular overexertion resulting from having to move or lift loads that exceed our physical capacity. Furthermore, the consolidation of the hybrid work model and teleworking is directly influencing the development of spinal pathologies. In this post we will review the most common injuries in this part of the body.

Back injuries from heavy lifting

When we talk about workplace accidents, we refer to any discrete event that occurs in the course of work that leads to an occupational injury (physical or mental). And if we refer to load handling, all those lifting weights greater than 3 kilos are considered, given that, although it may not seem like an excessive weight, it entails a potential risk of injury.

It is normal that when talking about jobs that require lifting large loads, we immediately think of factory workers or personnel in the transportation industry, but there are also other professions in which back injuries can be suffered due to lifting loads, such as, for example, teaching (especially those who work with young children), laboratory staff or workshop employees.

Among the most common injuries caused by muscular overexertion we can mention dorso-lumbar injuries to the intervertebral discs, muscle strains or tears, bruises, wounds and/or cuts.. Regarding the column, The most common back injuries caused by lifting loads are low back pain, sciatica and herniated discs.

What can cause physical work overload?

The majority of work accidents occur due to physical overstrain on the musculoskeletal system., which generate impacts on the spine due to poorly performed weight lifting. This can lead to low back pain or joint pain, caused by the progressive wear of the tissues that protect the bones from each other.

As we have mentioned, Manual manipulation of heavy loads can cause dorso-lumbar injuries, ranging from alteration of the invertebral discs (as is the case of herniated discs), low back pain and even bone fractures.. The latter, vertebral fractures, are the most serious and require minimally invasive reconstructive spine microsurgery for treatment.

Back problems among the most common injuries in office workers

Spinal injuries are very common, especially in workers whose job requires sitting for many hours a day., with between 6 and 8 hours being the usual average. Ergonomic risks give rise to musculoskeletal disorders in the worker, mainly coming from forced postures and lack of stretching and/or exercise that lead to suffering a work injury.

If a worker shifts in his chair without being able to find the correct posture or feels that his muscles have become a little stiff, he is very likely to be prone to spinal injuries. The most common pathologies that usually occur on these occasions are dorsal injuries or those related to the cervical injuries.

Although posture is a determining factor that can lead to back problems, it must be considered that There are different possible reasons why a person may suffer from a spinal condition.. Between the main causes of back pain injuries they find each other:

• Poor physical condition or obesity
• Lifting excessive weight
• Spending a lot of time sitting or in the same position
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Internal diseases (such as infections or kidney stones)

At the same time, it is worth mentioning that Back pain can also be related to various psychological aspects. that a person may be going through, such as anxiety or stress.

Repetitive strain injuries related to teleworking

Among the possible conditions that a worker may suffer as a result of performing their tasks, are repetitive strain injuries. The low back pain due to sedentary lifestyle It is very common in workers who spend long hours sitting, since, as there is little muscle activity, neuromuscular control is altered and spinal stability is lost.

On the other hand, the neck pain caused by teleworking It is a common pain that affects the person's cervical region and is mainly caused by stiffness and lack of movement. To avoid these pains, you must try to maintain proper posture, keep the table and chair at the correct height (and as much as possible rest your arms on the table) and take between one and two active breaks per hour.

Tendonitis as a consequence of teleworking It is also very common. The tendons responsible for generating mobility in the fingers can become inflamed due to repetitive activity of the wrist and fingers, mainly the thumb. The so-called “trigger finger” can also occur, in which the function of the finger is blocked and remains fixed in a flexed position.

Teleworking, mouse and carpal tunnel syndrome They are also terms that fit together. This condition occurs in the median nerve of the wrist, which is what allows sensitivity of the entire region and mobility of the hand. This trauma is generated by the repetitive movement of the hands, which presses the median nerve at the wrist.

Postural hygiene to avoid injuries in front of the computer

The design of the workplace must ensure that working postures are appropriate, as well as allowing changes in posture. Having good postural hygiene is essential to avoid injuries in front of the computer. In these terms, there is a series of tips and important measures to take into account to take care of ergonomics in the office:

• Keep your back slightly reclined and fully supported on the back of the seat, and sit facing the screen.
• Form a 90° angle with your legs, keeping your legs and feet supported to facilitate lumbar rest and avoid leg compression.
• Keep your head in a straight position, without tilting it forward or backward. It is recommended that the screen be placed at eye level.
• Adjust the height of the chair to be able to rest your arms on the table, without taking off your shoulders.
• Take frequent breaks complemented by postural exercises and stretching.

Exercises to strengthen and prevent back pain caused by work

As we have been mentioning, Maintaining good postural hygiene helps avoid low back pain and other pathologies. It is important to follow our advice and find an ergonomic position that suits your physiognomy. Likewise, leading an active lifestyle helps strengthen muscles so that they do not suffer at work. We recommend you do sports such as Pilates, yoga or swimming to strengthen the lumbar and cervical area..

Spine specialist traumatologist for back pain

If you are familiar with long hours of work on your feet or endless work days spent sitting at your desk, you will know that Correct posture can help you safeguard the well-being of your spine. Remember that above all We must take care of our health and trust experts to identify possible back pain before they lead to injuries that require surgical interventions or hours spent at the physiotherapist.

To identify the potential risks of musculoskeletal injuries in your work area or if you feel back pain at your workplace, we recommend that you go to a spine specialist. In Elgeadi Traumatology We have a team of experts who will take care of your health in a dedicated, personalized and human way., so that you can identify your injury early so that your recovery is as quick and painless as possible.

If you consider that pain in your lumbar, cervical or any area of your spine is directly related to your work and/or your postural hygiene, do not hesitate to contact us. request a private appointment in Elgeadi Traumatology. A good professional is someone who is trained to identify the injury early and can help you recover.