Those who work with their hands or do strenuous physical jobs put a lot of hard “miles” on their bodies. The grind of the work can lead to fatigue and severe injuries. While many assume that the typical injuries involve broken bones, concussions, amputations or crushing, repetitive stress injuries are common.
A repetitive stress injury (RSI), also known as a repetitive strain injury, is a musculoskeletal or nervous system injury. Repetitive use, vibrations, compression, or long periods in a fixed position cause it. There is a gradual buildup of damage to muscles, tendons and nerves from repetitive motions, which can affect various body parts, including fingers, thumbs, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and knees. RSI symptoms include pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, stiffness, weakness and sensitivity to cold or heat. These injuries are common and can be caused by many different types of manual labor, including construction, landscaping, farming, assembly line, custodial or cleaning, or shipping and receiving, as well as less physical office work involving things like typing.
Common causes for RSI injuries
Manual laborers often suffer from repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) due to several factors:
- Repetitive Movements: Manual laborers, including factory, maintenance, and agricultural workers, often face repetitive tasks as part of their job duties. These repetitive motions can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves.
- Physical Strain: Prolonged physical exertion and working in awkward or uncomfortable positions for extended periods can lead to RSIs.
- Poor Ergonomics: Inadequate workplace ergonomics can contribute to the development of RSIs. Mitigating factors include non-ergonomically designed workspaces and using equipment that increases strain on the body.
- Lack of Rest: Insufficient rest breaks can exacerbate the risk of RSIs. Continuous work without adequate breaks can lead to overuse and strain of specific muscle groups.
- Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects and performing forceful activities can stress the body significantly, leading to RSIs.
Common RSIs include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and trigger thumb, Osgood-Schlatter disease, back strains and sprains, and shin splints.
The effect is cumulative
Preventing RSIs requires a multifaceted approach addressing workplace factors and individual behaviors. It might include ergonomic improvements, proper training on lifting techniques and posture, and encouraging regular breaks to rest and stretch. Still, bodies often break down from performing the same task over time, making it painful or increasingly difficult to do the work. It may seem like a mild injury, but the impact can be long-term, forcing workers to file a workers’ compensation claim, perhaps even leading to permanent total disability.