Office Ergonomics

Home Treatment for Injuries Related to the Workstation

If you have a musculoskeletal injury such as back or neck strain or carpal tunnel syndrome, try home treatment for a few days when you first notice symptoms. These steps are usually helpful in relieving discomfort caused by stress and overuse. Home treatment includes:

• Resting the painful area and avoiding or modifying activities that aggravate your pain or discomfort. Return to some daily activities as soon as possible to help maintain flexibility and general well-being. Be aware of any tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain that may indicate an injury.
• Using ice to reduce pain and inflammation. Place an ice pack or cold pack over the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, as often as once an hour. This will help decrease any pain, muscle spasm, or swelling.
• Using nonprescription pain relievers. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can help relieve pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (such as Advil), or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve), can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. People younger than age 20 should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome (a central nervous system complication in children).
• Doing gentle stretching exercises to keep flexible and prevent stiffness. These exercises include stretches for your neck, back, shoulders, and wrists and arms.
• Examining your workstation setup and workstation tools. Apply the ideas of ergonomics to make sure your workstation and tools fit you and the activity you are doing, and try making changes that will limit any injury.
• Maintaining good health habits. Exercise regularly (including aerobic, muscle strengthening, and flexibility exercises), eat a balanced diet, don't smoke, get enough sleep, and lose weight if needed. If possible, reduce stress and tension at work and at home.

Home activities may contribute to workplace injury. For example, doing an activity at home that requires the same repetitive movements as at work may not allow your body time to recover. Also, driving long distances to and from work may contribute to workplace injury. Using special seat covers for added comfort (such as those made of wool or beads), carpooling, or using public transportation may help reduce this added stress.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: June 13, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy
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