Back Pain Is Common
Trade jobs demand a lot of physical activity and it’s vital that tradespeople have good physical health and wellbeing. Most workcover injury claims (58%) between 2010 and 2015 represented tradies.
It is vital to not forget preventative workplace practices and encourage a focus on health and safety. If health breaks down, or injury occurs, tradies are particularly vulnerable. The body is the most important tool in the kit!
Back pain is the most common injury experienced by tradies, as it is the part of the body involved in almost all tasks that tradies undertake at work.
Other common injuries for tradies include:
- Shoulder issues related to repetitive reaching and holding actions with the arms
- Knee injuries related to repetitive bending to the ground
- Ankle sprains related to working on uneven ground.
Steps To Take To Avoid Back Pain
1) Use good techniques, good positions using your legs and equipment available to reduce the load on your back.
2) Use a wide stance and keep the load close to your body while lifting heavy objects.
3) Take your mate’s help while lifting heavy objects.
4) After periods of bending forward (which includes long periods of driving) stand up and stretch backwards ready to unload the points and muscles of your spine.
5) Stay strong and flexible with a regular stretching/body care routine. Just like you maintain tools, maintain your body.
A Physio can help set you up with one specific to your own issues. A regular loosen up (mobilisation, soft tissue release, manipulation and exercise check) can be a good plan.
Steps To Reduce The Risk Of Injury
Ask yourself: Is this the best way? Am I using the correct tools for the job? Do I need any help? If in doubt about any of these questions, modify various things until it is safe to finish the job.
Be mindful: Pay attention to the job at hand. Calming yourself down before the start of a day or a task, will go a long way in giving your 100% effort.
Seek advice: Consulting a Physiotherapist as soon as you feel a niggle is the best way of practice. The earlier you see a Physiotherapist for even the smallest injury, the quicker it will get better and the less chance your work will be impacted. Physios can help give advice for preventing them in future as well.
How Physios Can Help Tradies
1) Managing symptoms if in pain
2) Building strength
3) Building flexibility
4) Advice on injury management
5) Advice on injury prevention.
So, remember these important points:
- Warm up each morning with some stretches and gentle exercise.
- Take breaks to avoid overuse or fatigue.
- Be willing to speak up if you feel uneasy.
- Don’t put yourself at risk of injury by rushing.
- Seek advice from your Physiotherapist to help prevent and manage injuries before they enforce time off work.
This blog was written by Physio Sachin Kumar from the Adelaide CBD Physio practice.
To make a booking with a Physio near me, press the button that’s below.