When most people think about work-related injuries, they think about ones that happen with a single event. But that’s not always how they happen. Some workers face injuries that are the result of having to repeat the same movement over and over again. These are known as repetitive strain injuries.
Repetitive strain injuries can affect many parts of the body, but are most common in joints, the back and the neck. Common examples of repetitive strain injuries, which are also known as cumulative trauma injuries, include carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve irritation, trigger finger, rotator cuff problems, bursitis, and tendonitis.
Why are these injuries troubling?
One of the most challenging aspects of these injuries is that they aren’t always caught early. Some people may just accept that stiffness, soreness and pain are part of the job. When the symptoms first start, they may be minor and go away after rest or with over-the-counter medications.
As time progresses, the damage to the affected areas gets worse. Eventually, the damage becomes so severe that the pain and other symptoms don’t go away with rest or medication. In some cases, surgery might be needed by the time the worker recognizes that something is amiss.
Workers who suffer a cumulative trauma injury will need medical care, which should be covered by workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, they might face resistance getting the benefits they need because there’s not a single incident to point to as the cause of the injury. Working with someone who’s familiar with these tactics and who can assist with showing the tie between work duties and the injury might be beneficial for employees in this position.
