Common Chronic Injuries Suffered by Office Workers

 Posted on October 16, 2018 in Workers' Compensation

While most people think of workplace injuries as serious accidents involving falls or electrocutions, the majority of on-the-job injuries occur in the office while working on repetitive tasks. These injuries are referred to as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and they account for approximately 33% of all workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), MSDs are one of the most common causes of loss of work time. If you have been injured at your workplace, or if you have begun suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder, you should understand your options for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. 

The Most Common Musculoskeletal Disorders

While musculoskeletal disorders do not come with the fatal consequences of a disastrous accident, their chronic nature can have life-changing implications. Even the most common of musculoskeletal disorders can lead to loss of work hours, chronic pain, and costly medical care. Common MSDs include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Also referred to as median nerve compression, carpal tunnel syndrome is incredibly common throughout the United States, impacting more than three million Americans each year. These injuries are caused by the repetitive movement of the hand and wrist. The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain in the hand or arm, numbness in the hand, a tingling sensation, and general hand weakness. 
• Tendinitis: The repetitive motions performed in the workplace can put stress on certain tendons. Tendinitis is caused by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. The most common forms of tendinitis occur in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. In the vast majority of cases, tendinitis requires a combination of rest and physical therapy. If untreated, tendinitis can lead to a ruptured tendon, which usually requires surgery to repair. 
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: These injuries can come with chronic pain and lingering health complications. Whether they are caused by lifting heavy objects or another form of shoulder strain, rotator cuff injuries can have a long-term impact on one’s well-being. The most common types of these injuries are rotator cuff tears, which occur when the tendon connecting the muscle to the bone tears. Receiving immediate medical attention is critically important to avoiding chronic shoulder pain. 
• Trigger Finger: This type of injury, which is also referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis, is caused by the repetitive movement of a finger, and it can ultimately result in the stiffening of the finger, as well as the possibility of the finger remaining in a bent position. Common symptoms include finger stiffness, a popping or clicking sound, and the inability to straighten the finger. 
• Lower Back Injuries: Back injuries are alarmingly common in the workplace. These injuries can be caused by the lifting of heavy objects or simply by sitting in a manner that strains the lower back. An injury to the lower back can be chronic and lead to additional injuries moving forward. Much like the injuries above, receiving immediate medical attention can be critically important to a speedy recovery. 

Contact a Will County Workers’ Comp Attorney

No one should have to face the consequences of a workplace injury alone. At Flaherty Law, LLC, we understand the impact that a workplace injury can have on your overall health and your ability to earn an income. Even the most minor injuries can result in loss of work hours, expensive physical therapy, and long-term pain. When you are injured at work, you are eligible to receive benefits that address your medical care and compensate you for temporary or permanent disability. To set up a free consultation with a dedicated Plainfield workers’ compensation lawyer, call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378243

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/

https://www.einstein.yu.edu/administration/environmental-health-safety/accident-injury-reduction-campagin/top-injuries.aspx