We tend to imagine they happen only in very serious incidents and accidents, but a work-related back injury can happen a lot of different ways, many of which seem very boring.
Your back is kind of like the best friend you never knew you had: it’s always supporting you. And that support can sometimes be a little more stressful than you usually notice. Whether you spend all day sitting at a desk or working on a busy assembly line, your back can often take the brunt of workplace injuries.
That’s why it’s useful to know about some of the most common work-related back injuries. When you’re aware of how these injuries occur, you can take steps to more easily prevent them, and to treat them more quickly when they occur.
What a Common Work Related Back Injury Looks Like
The back is one of the most common parts of the body injured at work, and one of the most insidious. That’s because a work related back injury isn’t always easy to see, and symptoms may not always be immediate.
The most common injuries will vary from industry to industry. At Diaspo, some of the injuries we see most often include:
- Soft tissue injury (sprains and strains): These injuries occur when the ligaments and or muscles that support your back are overextended. The two most common causes of soft tissue injuries are falls and overuse.
- Fractures and broken bones: The bones in your spine can break! The severity of these fractures can vary and will determine the course of treatment. Broken vertebrae are often caused by traumatic injuries (for example, a fall or collision).
- Disc injuries: Between each of your vertebrae, there is a small disc of jelly-like material. These discs provide support and insulation for the bones of your back. Injuries, overuse, and bad posture can damage these discs, leading to slipped, herniated, or ruptured discs. When these discs are injured, they can also cause nerve pain.
- Lower back injuries: In many cases, the lower back muscles and ligaments are going to carry the bulk of your weight. So, whether you’re sitting all day or standing for hours on end, this is where the strain will show. Over time, this strain can lead to a lower back injury.
This list is not exhaustive. And again, the specifics of your job will have a significant impact on the type of injury that may occur. If you’re concerned about injuries at your workplace, talk to a work injury doctor to discover what you should be watching for.
How to Prevent and Care for Injuries
Preventing Back Injuries
There are two approaches to a work related back injury. The first is to try to prevent them. To prevent injuries, you should:
- Consistently follow all workplace safety guidelines.
- Never rush or run in the workplace.
- Use a belt or other safety equipment when lifting or moving heavy objects.
- If you are standing or sitting at work all day, make sure to take frequent breaks.
- Try to stretch your back muscles before and after work.
- Pay attention to your posture. Make sure you keep your back as straight as possible.
If you’re worried about a back injury, make sure to talk to a work injury doctor about unique steps you may need to take as an individual (for example, lifestyle changes or quitting smoking).
Caring for Work Related Back Injuries at Home
Even with the best prevention, accidents happen, and injuries do occur. Many injuries are minor and can be taken care of at home. Here’s how you can rest and recuperate after a back injury:
- For most back injuries, your instinct is going to stay very, very still until you feel better. But you shouldn’t do this for more than a few days. Prolonged inactivity can slow your recovery and increase your pain. So make sure that you get out for a walk every day or do some light, non-painful stretching.
- Monitor your pain levels closely. If they increase significantly, you should see your provider.
- Apply heat and ice to your back. The heat will help your muscles relax, while the ice will help to limit painful inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as necessary. However, you should not take this medication indefinitely, as this will simply mask your symptoms (and could lead to bigger problems down the road). If the pain has not subsided in a few days, call your provider.
- Avoid the workplace activity that caused your injury. This is especially critical for overuse or repetitive motion-related injuries.
When Should You See a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist?
A chiropractor is specially trained to help you overcome back injuries. In conjunction with treatment from a physical therapist, chiropractors can often help you make a full recovery without the need for surgery. So when should you make an appointment with a chiropractor?
- Consider seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible after your injury. Your chiropractor will be able to determine whether you need treatment.
- If your injury does not subside in a few days or your pain begins to grow worse.
- If you have been taking over-the-counter pain medication for more than a few days.
Work injury doctors can help you recover from a workplace back injury. At Diaspo, our chiropractic and physical therapy care teams will work together to develop a treatment plan just for you. With years of experience treating workplace injuries just like yours, the professional staff at Diaspo will be able to help you get back to work.
Contact our offices to schedule a consultation today!
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