The Pittsburgh area has a deep history and proud traditions for manual workers of all kinds.  While most of the steel mills and coal mines are gone, the expansion of the oil and gas industry, the many infrastructure projects, the return of family farming, and many other initiatives have created a whole new group of people who know how to work and are not afraid of doing so.

Last year in 2020 we all become aware of how important first responders are in treating a pandemic. Unfortunately, in addition to putting their lives at risk, they are moving around heavy and sometimes almost lifeless human bodies.

Cranberry Township in particular is made up of many homeowners who work on remodeling and landscaping projects.  Unfortunately, many times the results of our labors are not always exactly as we planned.

What is Musculoskeletal Pain?

The Cleveland Clinic defines Musculoskeletal pain as

Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It can be acute (having a rapid onset with severe symptoms) or chronic (long-lasting). Musculoskeletal pain can be localized in one area, or widespread. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 33% of all adults suffer from Musculoskeletal pain, and the most common place for this is the lower back.

If you are suffering from musculoskeletal pain chiropractic treatments often help. We offer a range of chiropractic and physical therapy treatments to help alleviate your pain.

Medical doctors often recommend surgery for work injuries like back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. For many employees though, taking time off work for surgery and recovery isn’t an option. What’s more, many patients who do undergo surgery for back pain and carpal tunnel require additional surgery when their symptoms return a few years later. Chiropractic, on the other hand, addresses the root of your pain to provide lasting relief.

Studies show that chiropractic treatments are effective for many work injuries including back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, sciatica, neck pain, headache, migraine, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you’re a manual laborer with a back injury or an office worker with neck pain, chiropractic can get you back to work and free from suffering.

A lot of discussions are held around poor posture and back pain for office workers and other professionals. But what if your desk is a toolbox or a tractor? Millions of people have jobs that involve a considerable amount of physical labor. And whether you’re hoisting hay bales, bending down to install wiring, or swinging a hammer, your back often pays the price for your livelihood. Muscle strains, misalignment of vertebrae, and damaged tendons are the most common physical risks associated with physical labor.

There are a large number of risks to your back associated with physical labor:

• Lifting heavy objects, particularly if improper lifting techniques are used, can result in disc tears, subluxations, acute muscle spasms, and long-term muscle strains.
• Standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete, for extended periods of time can quickly tire out back and leg muscles, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of injury.
• Wet or slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips or falls, which can cause serious back injury.
• Sitting on a machine with a lot of vibration, such as a tractor, forklift, or backhoe, can contribute to misalignment and muscle fatigue.
• Raising your arms over your head for extended periods,  or to use hand tools, or holding up a part, can lead to muscle strain and spasms.

Back problems can make your job much less pleasant, and can even result in lost time, or permanent disability. So how to prevent and resolve back issues? A multi-level approach is the best way to keep your back working well and feeling great.

The first step is a comprehensive chiropractic exam.  At Zock FamilyChiropractic, our licensed chiropractors do a complete assessment of your spine and joints. We also perform a detailed health history to pinpoint the areas that need adjusting accurately. Adjustments are safe and natural and help return your spine and joints to optimal alignment. These adjustments reduce pain and contribute to preventing future injuries.

In addition to your chiropractic treatment, it is important to take steps to prevent strains and injury:

• Work boots wear out over time, offering reduced shock absorption. Replace your work boots regularly, and consider insoles or orthotics to improve arch support and shock absorption.
• Proper lifting techniques are vital. Never twist while lifting an item, and remember to lift properly with the strong muscles of the legs, not the back.
• Keep moving. Standing in one spot for too long increases fatigue in the back and leg muscles, leading to compromised posture. Despite what your preschool teachers may have told you, fidgeting is a good thing!

With regular chiropractic care and safe work practices, your back can remain healthy and pain-free for life! To get started on your journey to being pain-free contact us now to see Dr. Zock.