You’ve been working in the same Nebraska factory for over a decade. You enjoy your work; you even like your boss. However, lately, your back pain makes it impossible to perform your assembly line duties. In fact, you’ve called work a few times in the past several months when even the ibuprofen you took wasn’t able to alleviate the pain. Several people mentioned the possibility that you might be suffering a repetitive stress injury.
Many factory workers and others who perform the same bodily movements over and over again (as those in clerical positions or warehouse environments often do) develop pain they later determine to be associated with their workplace duties. From carpal tunnel syndrome to lower back strain or various inflammatory conditions, repetitive stress injuries often cause debilitating pain, causing those who suffer, partial or permanent disability.
Be aware of the signs of RSI
A man who worked as an aerospace engineer reportedly had to take medical retirement after he suffered back pain so severe he could barely walk. It turned out he had a repetitive stress injury associated with computer work that was part of his normal course of duty on the job. If you experience one or more of the following, you may want to discuss RSI with an experienced physician:
- Pain in your lower arm and/or hand
- Discomfort in upper arm or shoulder area
- Back or neck pain
- Pain in your wrist, fingers or thumbs
- Joint pain, knee discomfort or problems with your feet
- Any unexplained recurring body pain in a muscle, tendon or bone
You’ve been packing and unpacking boxes for so many years at work, you likely don’t pay much attention to the possible strain it places on your neck, shoulders and back. Many workers become “used” to their pain, thinking it’s all part of their jobs and nothing can be done about it. However, seeking immediate medical attention is often crucial toward obtaining the best pain management and achieving as full a recovery as possible.
If your repetitive stress injury leaves you unable to work, you may face additional challenges that make life difficult. For instance, many people in your situation are completely unprepared to meet exorbitant expenses often associated with extensive medical care. With no regular pay-check coming in, such situations can quickly turn into financial disasters. An experienced Nebraska workers’ compensation attorney can advocate on your behalf to seek any and all benefits to which you may be entitled in order to cover medical costs and replace lost wages to help make ends meet during recovery.