Your spine is an amazing thing. You may not realize it, but most of the things you are able to do right now are thanks to your spine, even sitting in your chair to read this article.
The spine is also one of the few things in your body designed to be both strong and flexible at the same time. Still, it’s not injury-proof, and a back injury can result in very high levels of pain or even loss of functions.
Here are three common back injuries people sustain in the workplace, and how to avoid them:
Lower Back Strain
Lower back strain often occurs because you lift something heavy using an improper technique. In some cases, the sprain can present with immediate pain after you lift the object, while some may not feel anything right then. However, pain is bound to come.
To avoid them, you should be very careful how you lift heavy objects, especially if you are out of shape and it’s not a regular part of your job. Remember to always bend the knees and push through the legs when you lift, to avoid putting tension in your lower back.
Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves are a type of repetitive stress injury that usually occurs when you are performing the same motion over and over again or pressing on the same nerves by staying in a fixed position.
For example, cashiers are at risk of pinching their back nerves because of the constant twisting of the spine to scan groceries. Working at a desk can also cause this problem, especially if you have bad posture.
To lower this risk, it’s important to stretch before and after you work. You can perform some exercises designed to eliminate tension in your back. Consider also incorporating some easy exercise during your breaks as well, to alleviate tension.
Herniated Discs
If you have a physically demanding occupation, you have a greater risk of a herniated disc. This occurs when the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae pushes out, causing pain and even nerve damage.
Repetitive pulling, bending, twisting, or pushing can put too much strain on your spine, and these cushions can, therefore, stick out. To avoid them, you essentially need to strengthen your spine by exercising and fixing your posture.
Should You Speak With a Lawyer?
There are countless ways in which the spine can get damaged. Even though it’s designed to support your torso, head, and protect vital organs in the chest area, at a certain age the spine begins to lose some of its strength, and in some cases, this is a direct result of your work.
If that’s the case with you, then you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a St. Louis worker’s compensation lawyer right now to discuss your situation with them. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can successfully receive benefits.