Top Causes of Workplace Back Injuries and How to Recover Effectively
Back Injury Recovery
Back injuries are relatively common amongst many Australians. In 2022, reportedly four million Australians were estimated to have experienced back injuries. In fact, it is predicted that by 2050, there will be a nearly 50 percent increase in cases.
If these injuries are not diagnosed and treated promptly, they can lead to prolonged damage or trauma to the structures of the back.
Common Causes of Back Injuries in the Workplace
In the workplace, back injuries are known to be a significant occupational hazard. They can result from a range of factors such as:
Poor Posture
Jobs that require sitting or standing for extended periods of time may result in poor posture. This is largely due to improper workstation ergonomics.
Slips and Falls
Accidents that occur at the workplace such as slips, trips, and falls can result in sudden and severe back injuries. This can potentially lead to reduced mobility and long-term health conditions.
Overexertion
Individuals involved in physically demanding tasks are particularly susceptible to overexertion. This is common in activities that involve lots of lifting of heaving loads, pushing, and pulling. Insufficient breaks and improper techniques can exacerbate the strain on the back.
Repetitive Tasks
A repetition of the same tasks can contribute to back injuries due to the strain placed on the muscles and joints. Just like most physical objects, the back too experiences wear and tear over time.
Inactivity
You might think that staying inactive will save your back from injuries. Well, staying inactive can weaken your back muscles, making them more susceptible to back injuries. This is especially common among individuals who spend long hours sitting at desks.
A Comprehensive Treatment Service for Individuals
At Navigator Group, we are committed to delivering comprehensive recovery services for people experiencing mild to severe back injuries sustained at work. We go beyond providing treatments for just physical aspects of your injuries by prioritising your psychological health as well.
WIth our team of highly-trained and skilled personal injury consultants, we leverage on our extensive expertise to provide a customised recovery solution to rehabilitate you. Trust Navigator Group to guide you through every step of your recovery journey. Rest assured that with us, you will receive the highest standard of care and attention.
Common Workplace Back Injuries
People of any age can experience back injuries. Pain can range from mild to severe, with some needing immediate attention. Common workplace back injuries include:
Muscle Strains
This occurs when there is an overextension or tearing of fibers and tendons. Bruising, muscle spasms, swelling, and pain are symptoms to look out for.
Tendon Injury
This type of injury is marked by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the tendons, worsening with movement. In severe cases, pain may persist even while at rest.
Herniated Disc
This is also known as a “slipped” or ruptured disc and occurs when there is tear or rupture in the external layer of the intervertebral disc.
Treating Back Injuries
The majority of back injuries are known to heal through a combination of rest, rehabilitation exercises, and sometimes medical interventions. This is why, at Navigator Group, we strive to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treating your back injuries. Our team of physicians, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, physiotherapists, and counselors will work together to design a completely customised recovery plan fit just for you. With our help, you will return to work feeling fully rehabilitated both physically and mentally.
Self-Management of Back Injuries
Here at Navigator Group, we want to support you in playing an active role in your recovery.
To ensure that your treatment goes as planned, sufficient self-management on your end is required as well. This may include prescribed exercise routines, healthy lifestyle habits, and stress management techniques. Likewise, attending your scheduled appointments with us is crucial for us to track your progress.
Long-Term Outlook for Back Injuries
The long-term outlook for back injuries is highly reliant on the underlying cause of the injury, the effectiveness of the treatment sought, and compliance to the specified recovery plan. Navigator Group’s well-rounded treatment plans incorporate treating both the physical and psychological impact of back injuries. We aspire to help you find ways of managing your pain while maintaining a good quality of life.
Where to Seek Help
Once you’ve completed an initial assessment with your General Practitioner (GP), our team at Navigator Group will start working on your recovery process. We offer specialised expertise for anyone who has sustained a workplace injury. Through our immediate assessment of your injury, we aim to provide a personalised treatment solution for you.
Why Choose Navigator Group
By placing your trust in Navigator Group, it means that you are committed to getting better. With the attention and support of our dedicated team, we aspire to help you achieve a holistic improvement in your musculoskeletal health.
For specific lower back injuries, you might be able to see results within as fast as 12-weeks as part of our Active Recovery Clinic (ARC) program. By entrusting us, you will have a team of committed healthcare specialists that want nothing more than to help you achieve an ideal recovery.
Sources:
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/back-pain