Managing pain associated with injury or illness

Many people live and work whilst experiencing some degree of either chronic or acute pain. Learning to manage pain levels can ensure individuals are able to focus fully on their job or task and participate fully in their role within the workplace.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

Pain is generally classified as either acute, being a sudden onset or short-term; or chronic being a gradual onset, persisting longer than 3-6 months. Depending on the illness or disability, individuals may experience different types of pain. They may also have remissions of no pain and then relapse. Each person experiences pain uniquely, so two individuals with the same condition may experience completely different symptoms, restrictions and aggravating factors.

For acute injuries such as sprains and strains, the RICE method is recommended to reduce swelling and inflammation whilst reducing risk of further damage immediately after the injury and up to 72 hours post injury. This involves:

• Rest—rest the injured body part
• Ice—apply a covered ice pack over the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours
• Compression—wrap injured body part firmly to reduce risk of swelling

• Elevation—elevate injured body part above the level of the heart where possible

If swelling and inflammation continues medical or physiotherapy advice should be sought. Some modifications may be required within the workplace to accommodate for acute injuries, for instance, if a worker normally stands to work, a seat may be required to allow for RICE principles. For more information on professionals available to assist with injury management see:

• physical and mobility specialists

For chronic or longer term pain there are a number of ways to manage this within the workplace:

• medication can be used as prescribed by a medical practitioner for individual needs:
• medication
• having a flexible work roster to allow for part time work, extra break times and the capacity to work from home
• having a flexible work routine to allow for rotation of work tasks and therefore postures:
• how to provide a flexible workplace
• if driving for work, ensure sufficient lower back support is available in the seat and if not consider use of a small pillow, rolled up towel or lumbar cushion for extra support:
• driving motorised vehicles—fine hand use
• correct ergonomic set up of the workstation customised to individual needs to avoid aggravation of symptoms or disability:
• adjusting office based work stations
• ensure body weight stays within optimum weight range for height as this places less strain on the back and other joints of the body:
• Obesity
• exercise and stretch on a regular basis within guidelines recommended by treating practitioners related to specific disabilities to improve flexibility, maintain muscle strength and bone density and improve balance
• T.E.N.S.—A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator is a small electrical device with pads that are placed over painful areas, physiotherapy or medical advice can be sought regarding it’s suitability for individual needs
• massage
• relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, tai chi or deep breathing exercises
• use of a heat pack over painful areas
• complimentary therapies such as acupuncture or cognitive behavioural therapy to assist in changing how you feel and cope with pain.
• Occupational therapists can recommend and provide advice and equipment to assist in reducing strain on the body during preparation for work, driving to or from work and tasks at work:
• Occupational therapy 

References

Would you like more information?

• Managing pain