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 (for instance, sudden onset, short-term) or chronic (for instance, 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 injury immediately after the injury and up to 72 hours post injury. This involves:
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 see:
For chronic or longer term pain there are a number of ways to manage this within the workplace:
Medication
- use of medication as prescribed by a medical practitioner for individual needs. See link below for more information:
Workplace Changes
- having a flexible work roster to allow for part time work, extra break times and work from home capacity
- having a flexible work routine to allow for rotation of work tasks and therefore postures. See link below for more information:
- 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. See link below for more information:
- correct ergonomic set up of the workstation customised to individual needs to avoid aggravation of symptoms or disabilities. See link below for more information:
Prevention and management techniques
- ensure body weight stays within optimum weight range for height as this places less strain on the back and other joints of the body. See link below for more information:
- exercise and stretch on a regular basis within guidelines recommended by treating practitioners related to specific disabilities to improve flexibility maintain muscles 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 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
Within the home or workplace
- Occupational therapists can 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. See link below for more information:
(Australian Physiotherapy Association 2003; Australian Physiotherapy Association 2004; Independent Living Centres Australia 2007; Better Health Channel 2005; Arthritis Victoria 2007; OT Australia 2007)
Other job requirements and solutions
References
Arthritis Victoria 2007, Pain Management, Arthritis Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://www.arthritisvic.org.au/pages.asp?d=5A4C5A717251477C7008060A050407>
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 2003, Back Pain, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Melbourne, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://apa.advsol.com.au/physio%5Fand%5Fhealth/conditions/download/backpain_np.pdf>
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 2004, Sports Injuries, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Melbourne, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://apa.advsol.com.au/physio%5Fand%5Fhealth/conditions/download/SportsInjuries_np.pdf>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Pain Management, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Pain_management?open>
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia, Sydney, viewed 17 May 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search.asp>
OT Australia- Australian Association of Occupational Therapists 2007, OT Australia, Canberra, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://www.ausot.com.au/>.