Whether you work at a desk or have a more physical occupation, your job may expose you to stresses and strains that can cause you pain and discomfort. Some routine workplace issues include habitual poor posture, prolonged sitting at a desk, driving long distances, awkward lifting and carrying, or extended periods of repetitive motion; that can contribute to daily aches and discomfort.
Common musculoskeletal conditions such as back, neck and shoulder pain is common. Aside from this, we often see for example in clinic of problems such as,, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, headaches and Tennis elbow. Furthermore, workplace stress can also increase the amount of pain you feel by causing increased tension, reducing the ability to relax as well as impacting mental health.
It is natural to worry about the symptoms and the cause of pain and discomfort. Osteopaths have a well-deserved, evidence-based reputation for providing care including treatment, management and advice, designed to relieve pain and aid recovery, allowing patients to work with less discomfort and pain, whilst helping to improve relaxation (sleep) and therefore improving rest and recovery.
ADVICE FOR KEEPING HEALTHY AT WORK –
These simple tips offer ideas to stay healthy at work and avoid unnecessary stress, strain and fatigue.
- Frequent short breaks away from the computer may help avoid back, neck and eye strain.
Ensuring that the chair and computer display are appropriately adjusted so that the top of the screen is at eye level, as it may be more comfortable for the upper body and neck.
When lifting something, judge whether something can be done safely alone or if help is needed (don’t be afraid to ask for assistance).
Always keep the item to be lifted close to the body. Bend knees and let the legs do the work. Ensure to not twist the back – turn using feet.
When driving, make sure to be positioned comfortably and take regular breaks on long journeys – at least once every two hours.
HOW CAN AN OSTEOPATH HELP?
Osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient and so varies depending on the occupation, age, fitness levels and diagnosis. Osteopaths help to understand the impact of work on an individual’s health. They will take the time to understand the symptoms, medical history, work and personal lifestyle which in turn will help them make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of pain and formulate a treatment plan to achieve the best outcome. The treatment plan may involve several visits and, very occasionally, further tests and/or referrals to another appropriate health care professional.
Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility. Along with hands-on treatment, Osteopaths can offer advice on posture, lifting and workplace ergonomics so work is not missed. They may also prescribe exercises which are often used to aid recovery and provide on-going management.
The UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance for health services that recommend manual therapy, such as that provided by Osteopaths, as part of a package of care for the management of conditions such as low back pain and sciatica, and osteoarthritis.
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