Office injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2016. While many of these injuries can be minor, they can also lead to long-term health problems if not treated properly. This blog post will discuss the most common types of office injuries and prevent them.

What Is Repetitive Stress Injury?

Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is a type of injury that occurs when the muscles, tendons, and nerves are overused. This can happen from making the same motion over and over again, such as typing on a keyboard or using a mouse. RSIs can also occur from sitting in the same position for long periods. Symptoms of RSI include pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. RSI can lead to long-term health problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome if left untreated.

Here are the different types of RSI and how you can prevent these injuries:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can happen when the wrist is bent for long periods or any swelling in the area. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage.

It is essential to take breaks often and stretch your wrists and hands to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. You should also avoid holding your wrist in the same position for long periods. If you start to experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscle to bone. This can happen from overuse of the muscles or repetitive motions. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.

It is essential to take breaks often and stretch the muscles to prevent tendonitis. Proper office furniture can also help to prevent tendonitis. Make sure you have your desk and chair at the correct height. Humanscale Office Chairs are designed to help prevent tendonitis and other office injuries. If you start to experience symptoms of tendonitis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strains are caused by overstretching or tearing the muscles. This can happen from lifting heavy objects or making repetitive motions. Symptoms of muscle strain include pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected area.

To prevent muscle strain, it is essential to use proper lifting techniques. For example, you should bend at the knees and not at the waist when lifting an object. You should also avoid lifting objects that are too heavy for you.

Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift the arm. Rotator cuff injuries can occur from repetitive motions or a sudden injury. Symptoms of rotator cuff injury include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder area.

To prevent rotator cuff injury, it is important to take breaks often and stretch the muscles. You should also avoid doing the same motion over and over again.

Office injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace, but they can be prevented. By taking breaks often, stretching, and using proper lifting techniques, you can avoid office injuries. If you start to experience symptoms of an office injury, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.