Physiology of Injuries - PDF Free Download

Presented By: Du-All Safety, 2019

Physiology of Injuries Strains: the muscles and tendons that support the spine are twisted, pulled or torn. Ex. Overstretching when carrying extra weight. Over flexion: when you bend over too far causing pressure to the discs of the spine. Ex. Curling the spine forward. Over extension: caused when arching back too far and putting all the weight to the back trunk. Ex. Carrying too much weight. Sprains: these are ligaments injuries for overstretching. Ex. Falls

Physiology of Injuries Pinch nerve: caused when too much pressure is being put on the nerve by surrounding tissue and causing pain, tingling, and numbness to the affected area. Ex. Poor posture, heavy lifting, and obesity. Muscle spasm: caused by voluntary contractions of the muscles by receiving too many impulses from the nerves and causing them to contract beyond capacity. Ex. Overuse of muscles and hot environment. Ruptured disc: caused by the tearing of the discs and releasing the jelly like substance. Ex. Age and poor physical condition.

Contributing Factors Poor posture The best approach is try to maintain the back in its natural S shaped curved. Always try to avoid leaning forward when sitting or hunching over while you are standing. Posture may be the single biggest contributing factor to back pain

Posture

Posture Your wallet may be messing with your spine So is your purse

The Benefits of Proper Posture Maintaining proper posture has many benefits: You can grow taller! (Almost a whole inch) Increase bone deposition which help prevents osteoporosis Increase circulation Greater lung capacity, improved processing of oxygen, and extra energy Less prone to injury and joint degeneration

Posture

Build Better Habits 40% of daily routine is habitual behavior Humans like routines Establishing proper habits before entering the workforce is the best preventative measure Knowledge is Power: understand your job before you do it

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome True Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused from pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Pressure from swelling or pre-existing conditions can crowd the carpal tunnel.

Stretching Exercises for CT Start with your hands together in prayer position. Spread fingers apart as far you can, then steeple the fingers by separating palms of hands, but keeping fingers together. This stretches the palmar fascia, carpal tunnel structures, and median nerve, the nerve that gets irritated in a carpal tunnel syndrome

Stretching Exercises for CT Do this two to three times on each side, and try to do this stretch every hour. After a few weeks of doing this multiple times a day, you may notice improvement in your wrist's flexibility.

Contributing Factors Modern Living

Contributing Factors Text Neck Text neck is the term used to describe the injuries and pain sustained from looking down at wireless devices for too long. The symptoms associated with text neck are: chronic headaches upper back pain shoulder pain Neck pain Increased curvature of the spine Some studies suggest, text neck may lead to the early onset of arthritis and the potential for decreased lung capacity. The problem with texting is that it adds one more activity that causes us to look down more than in the past. This is especially concerning because young, growing children could possibly cause permanent damage to their spines as they grow.

Contributing Factors Stress When the muscles are tense, they are more susceptible to strains and spasms.

Contributing Factors Modern Living

Ergonomic Factors: Avoid Eye strain 20 20 20 Rule Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

Contributing Factors Modern Living Between 1980 and 2000 Climbing Stairs Exercise rates stayed the same Sitting time increased 8% Obesity doubled % Energy Increase Above Sitting Walking Chewing Gum Standing 0 50 100 150 200 250

Think outside the box

Techniques that Can Prevent Back Injury

Ergonomics If standing for a long time Keep back straight and shift weight from one leg to the other every few seconds, shift the shoulder slightly back and shift frequently your position. Adjustable footrests and anti-fatigue mats should be installed. Use proper foot wear that offers adequate traction for wet and slippery environments. Remove wallets from the back packet of the jeans

Stretching Exercises in the Office

Back Safety Objectives: You will be able to: Understand the anatomy of the back Understand how back injuries occur Prevent back injuries Gain knowledge on back maintenance, exercise and wellness Use proper lifting techniques and load carrying Think carefully and intelligently about your back

Proper Lifting Technique When ready follow these steps: Stand close with a wide stance Bend at the knees Test weight by lifting one of the corners Pull the load close and grip it Tighten the stomach and lift your head Rise using your legs Keep your eyes looking straight ahead

Techniques that Can Prevent Back Injury The Tripod Lift Get down on one knee Grasp the object and pull it to your thigh Hold it close Keep chest up, back curved inward Lift with legs If carrying for an extended distance, carry on your shoulders to free up the other hand. Lower the object between your knees

Lift Properly Tripod Lift

Lift Properly - Diagonal Lift

Lift Properly Power Lift

Lift Properly Partial Lift Squat

Lift Properly Golfers Lift

Lift Properly Straight Leg Lift

Unload Properly Squat down with the load Do not bend your back over the load Be careful of fingers

Team Lifting Always designate a person to lead the lifting Everyone should lift at the same time Keep the load level Finally, slowly unload together

Lifting Assessment Ask yourself the following questions Can you lift safely? Is it a 2 person lift? Determine how far will you have to carry the load? Is the path clear of objects, slippery areas, stairs, curbs and uneven surfaces? Will you find any closed doors that would need to be opened? Once lifted, will it block your view? Can the load be broken down into smaller parts? Would the use of gloves improve your grip or protect your hands?

Use Proper Equipment Forklift Carts Dolly Wheel Barrel Hoist Ropes / Chains

Using Hand Trucks and Pushcarts Push rather than pull It is easier and safer to push than to pull. You can use your body weight when pushing. Use powered carts if available Stay close to the load, try not to lean over and keep the curves of your back whenever pushing or pulling Use both hands Carts are easier to push and control with both hands Use tie-downs to secure the load, if necessary

When Injuries Occur Injuries often occur at the end of the shift due to mental fatigue, body fatigue and rush. Example: At work, you can get injures just by picking up a paper clip from the floor. Home projects Example: Installing a new floor, fixing the bathroom, painting, etc. Recreational activities Example: Horse riding, volleyball, hiking, gardening, or any other sport.

Paper Clip? Why?

Highest Rates of Injury Occupations/persons with the highest number of back injuries: Truck drivers Nurses Young workers Manual laborers have a higher incidence of low back pain than sedentary workers

Spinal Cord Function The spinal chord is nourished by motion When we sit we prevent blood supply A combination of strong bones, flexible ligaments, tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves. Ex. This happens when sitting for long periods in a vehicle, in front of the TV, or computer, etc.

Why Do Injuries Occur Over time, the discs between the vertebrae wear out and become damaged. The lower part of the back holds most of the body weight. There is a great amount of stress on the spine every time we bend over, lift a heavy object, or sit leaning forward.

Contributing Factors Poor physical condition The stomach muscles provide a lot of support needed by your back. When the back does not get the adequate support due to lifting or carrying heavy objects then it s prone to strains, sprains and other injuries.

Back Injury Statistics 1,000,000 workers suffer back injuries every year 1:5 work place illnesses and injuries are back related 3:4 occurred when the employee was lifting an object

Facts to Remember Keep your feet shoulder width apart This will give more solid base to help provide more support. When feet are too close There is less balance When feet are too far apart Movement is significantly reduced When making a turn: Move your feet to the direction you wish to move, NEVER twist your back

Facts to Remember When lifting Tight your abdominal muscles, this will give better support and keep from straining your back Keep objects close to your body Helps with stabilization when lifting When objects are too far from your back Additional stress is put on your back and therefore less balance Always lift with your legs Legs are stronger than your back

Questions? Contact: Du-All Safety (510) 651-8289 BrianaL@du-all.com