Try These Good Work Habits to Prevent Physical Pain

You're at your job sometimes more than you're at home. And if you get too involved in your work, you may not be paying attention to your posture or the hazards around you. If you're not careful, you can end up with chronic pain or an injury.

Our experienced Integrated Body and Medicine team has your back when you're in pain. We provide treatments and help you understand how to prevent pain and other injuries in the future.

Who’s prone to work injuries?

Just about anyone can get hurt on the job. Most jobs require some form of physical exertion — even if it's just walking to the break room to fill up your coffee.

Laborers are most likely to get hurt because of the stress of the job on their bodies. Repetitive motions and the need to lift and move objects put these workers at a higher risk for pain and injury.

But even office workers are at risk for pain. Sitting or standing in one place for too long strains your spine and legs. Improper posture and typing incorrectly lead to pain in your hands and wrists. Neck pain from computer work can be excruciating.

Whether you sit at a desk for work or are on the assembly line, pay attention to your body. Otherwise, you may end up with continuous aches and pains.

Common work injuries

There are many ways you can end up in pain at work. You can injure yourself if you're not careful, causing acute (sudden-onset) pain. Or you may suffer from chronic wear-and-tear on your body, leading to more difficult-to-resolve pain.

Some of the many types of injuries you could sustain at work include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fractures
• Bruises
• Lacerations
• Burns

Pain at your job may also be due to chronic stress on your body. It can manifest as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis in your back or knees.

Preventing pain with healthy habits

The good news is that there are ways for you to prevent pain at work. Our team at Integrated Body and Medicine offers the following healthy tips to keep your body pain-free:

Practice good posture

Your posture is crucial to preventing pain at work. Sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, keeping your hips aligned.

When you're standing, keep your weight balanced between your feet. Stand up straight and avoid hunching over. 

Lift properly

Lifting improperly is a common way to injure your back and neck. To avoid pain, lift with your legs and core instead of your back. Hold the object close to your body to avoid twisting your back. If something is too heavy to lift on your own, ask for help.

Avoid repetitive motions

Repetitive motions at work are one of the most significant factors in chronic pain. Try your best to avoid repetition when possible. Position your keyboard and mouse properly if you sit at a desk. Use a headset or speakerphone if you make a lot of phone calls. Avoid lifting or bending too much throughout the day.

Always listen to your body

If you listen to your body, you have a better chance of avoiding injury at work. When you sit for long periods and start to feel stiff, get up and move around to stretch your legs and back. Changing your position throughout the day and stretching often relieves muscle tension and pain.

If you've been hurt on the job or need help with healthy habits, don't hesitate to call our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area to schedule an appointment. You can also send us a message on this website.