HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR ACTIVE WORK HEALTH PROBLEMS?
- We all know work can sometimes be a pain in the neck.
- But what if your job caused you actual pain, illness or psychological distress?
- Common ailments are: Lower back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, and arm pain.
- If your job involves a regular amount of activity such as bending, lifting, stretching and pushing, the good news is this that gives you an excellent chance to take proper charge of your physical health.
- An active job where you are moving around is the healthiest job you can have.
- But after the age of 50, many employees with active jobs, such as cleaners and bin men, start to feel wear and tear.
- Whatever your age, jobs that involve movement can sometimes contribute to musculo-skeletal disorders such as lower back pain, joint injuries, muscular aches and strains, and non-specific arm pain - a term used to describe pain in the fingers, wrists, forearms, neck and shoulders.
- Rotate repetitive activities and remember to take your rest periods.
- Also try taking regular micro-breaks.
- Adopt neutral work postures whenever you can always stand upright, maintain the natural curves of your back, keep your arms close to your body and keep your feet hip-distance apart.
- Avoid working in awkward or uncomfortable positions, e.g. working with arms away from your body or with your back bent and twisted.
- Check your posture is good, with your spine, shoulder and hip joints in correct alignment.
- Shock-absorbent shoes are a good idea if you are on your feet all day.