Office work and injuries: Overview

We usually think that working in a comfy, smooth, and climate-controlled environment is hazard-free or safe. It is true that people working in manufacturing companies, law enforcement firms, or the healthcare industry, may be more prone to injuries compared to office jobs. But, long hours sitting on a chair in front of your computer and lack of physical activity may bring you some serious illnesses. As well as this, poor postures and the repetitive movements of your hands, elbow, back, and neck during office or computer work may also cause serious injuries. You must not ignore the risks and chances of injuries. Carelessness may cause some injuries, causing to disrupt your workflow.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics Report has shown that each year office workers experience thousands of work-related health problems. There are several causes have been reported causing injuries in office jobs. For example, people involved in office or desk work and, at the same time, have a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to ergonomic-related or posture injuries. The reason behind their injuries is the lack of movement or exercise.

Secondly, people who are already having medical conditions, including arthritis, bad posture, or poor bone strength, may be more prone to injuries. Our further discussion is a detailed account of the common office work injuries. As well as this, we have also discussed the five best fitness products that help you make your office work more comfortable: So, let’s begin here;

Office work injuries and their management through fitness products

1.         Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur when the median nerve in your wrist is compressed. The condition usually happens when you put repetitive stress or excessive pressure on the median nerve. Repetitively bending your wrists and placing them at bad angles are some other causes, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. As office workers involve in long hours of typing and mouse usage, thus are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.

How do wrist braces help manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include pain or numbness in the wrist, swelling in the fingers, burning or tingling sensations, and weakness around your wrists. Whenever you feel such symptoms, you must halt all of your activities and consult your healthcare professionals instead. They will immediately start treatment to get rid of pain and other symptoms.

Wearing wrist support braces is considered the most effective way to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with CTS. Our adjustable carpal tunnel wrist support braces help stabilise your wrist joint. They protect and immobilise your wrist and, at the same time, they provide continuous support and compression to the affected area. Consequently, It helps eliminate pain, swelling, and all other discomforts. If you feel yourself susceptible to wrist injuries during your office time, these wrist braces may also help you prevent injuries. Thus, you get a safe working experience.

2.         Computer or mouse elbow

Computer or mouse elbow is an overuse elbow injury resulting from the degeneration and inflammation of tendons outside your elbow. The condition happens when you put repetitive stress on your forearm. The actions, including point-and-click motions from moving mouse and other objects, make you susceptible to mouse elbow. Pain on the outer portion of your elbow joint is the basic symptom of mouse elbow. However, continuous stress may hurt your muscles and tendons even at rest. Thus, the condition may also result in a weakened grip.

How do elbow braces help manage computer or mouse elbow?

Whenever you feel such symptoms, you must never ignore them and consult your GP immediately. They will suggest suitable treatments to reduce the symptoms of mouse elbow. Wearing elbow support sleeves helps manage the symptoms of mouse elbow. The elbow sleeves or straps apply gentle pressure over the tendons outside the elbow, helping decrease stress on the injured area. Consequently, the elbow muscles get relaxed. As well as this, they apply compression and support to the injured area, helping speed up recovery. They may also help you prevent the chances of mouse elbow or other injuries, offering you a comfortable work experience.

3.         Mouse shoulder

Mouse shoulder is a common repetitive strain injury associated with occupations involving computer use throughout the day. The condition usually occurs when you use your arm in an outreached position to use a mouse for a prolonged time. While using a mouse, your fingers, hand, and wrist require small focused movements. This movement leads to fatigue, causing large muscles up in the shoulder area to compensate. The condition leads to the altered posture of the shoulder girdle. Hence, it may cause pain in the shoulder, neck, and upper back.

How do adjustable posture correctors help manage the mouse shoulder?

Wearing shoulder braces or posture correctors helps keep your shoulder, neck, and upper back in a neutral position. Thus, it helps distribute pressure on your shoulder, neck, and back evenly. Moreover, straightening your back and shoulder may also make you feel comfortable throughout your working session.

4.         Lower back pain

During an inactive job, including a desk job or computer job, you may be prone to lower back pain. Lower back pain usually happens due to poor posture and especially when you sit on a chair all day with inappropriate back support. The condition makes you unable to perform your task properly. In severe conditions, you may also feel back pain even when you are at rest.

How do lower back supports help manage lower back pain?

Whenever you feel lower back pain during a desk or computer job, you must consult your GP to diagnose the problems. Your GP or healthcare professionals suggest suitable treatments or preventive measures to manage or prevent pain. Many healthcare professionals suggest wearing lower back supports. Lower back supports help keep your back in the best position, preventing straining during long hours of sitting.

Lower back braces or belts may also be best at providing continuous support and compression. Thus, it keeps your lower back straight, warm, and active. Consequently, you feel comfortable throughout your work session.

5.         Lower leg/calf problems

Sitting on a chair for a prolonged time may cause blood to pool in the lower legs. Blood pooling may lead to varicose veins or spider veins. However, a more serious condition of blood pooling may cause blood clotting, causing deep vein thrombosis, DVT. Pain, swollen legs, red or darkened skin, and warm skin around the painful area, are the common symptoms of venous diseases.

How do compression socks help manage lower leg/calf problems?

If you experience pain, and other problems in your leg veins, you must consult your GP to diagnose the problems. Based on your condition, your GP will suggest a better treatment plan. Healthcare professionals suggest wearing compression socks, as they help you in a variety of ways. For example, compression socks help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and other venous problems. At the same time, they also help prevent the chances of blood pooling.

Compression socks act as an external layer of pressure and gently squeeze veins together. Thus, they help prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction through damaged valves. As well as this, they help normalise or ease blood flow through your entire leg.

Other tips to prevent injuries in office work

The following are some other most effective preventive measures, that may help you avoid the chances of injuries during office jobs:

• Ensure you have maintained a good posture. For this purpose, you can take help from your healthcare advisors and physiotherapists.
• Change your sitting positions regularly and take frequent breaks to keep your muscles and joints tension free or relaxed.
• Arrange a proper professional and healthy workplace setting.
• Use ergonomics or posture-friendly chairs during long hours of sitting.
• Take time to perform stretching exercises when you feel exhausted.

Wear supportive garments whenever you feel yourself susceptible to overuse injuries. For this purpose, you must consult your healthcare professionals and they will suggest suitable supportive gear according to your needs.