32 HEALTH AND SAFETY
When work becomes a pain
By Tanya Olckers
Image by Freepik
Plumbers do a lot of lifting , carrying , and climbing into confined spaces . They are scrunched up under a sink or squished into roof spaces and sewer lines . What medical and physical therapy practitioners are finding among people in the industry is lower back issues , neck pain and issues that affect the shoulders and wrists on the dominant arm .
A lot of these problems stem from improper lifting . While most people know to lift from the knees with the load close to the body , this is not always possible in the spaces in which plumbers work . The most common injuries seen in the plumbing profession – and indeed in many trades – are muscle strain , repetitive strain injury and joint issues .
In the long term , these injuries could lead to joint degeneration , arthritis , and muscle and joint damage . There is also a chance that minor back injuries may deteriorate over time possibly leading to the discs in the spine to be compromised . This in turn leads to increased pain and limitation of movement . And , down the line , this will affect the plumber ’ s ability to work effectively , or at all .
Prevention , they say , is better than cure , and there are a number of different ways that you can strengthen your body , and particularly your spine .
“ A healthy spine has good alignment , is flexible and strong ,” says Dr Susan Goslett , a Johannesburg based chiropractor . “ Bending and twisting places strain on the discs in the spine .”
Michelle Conlan , a biokineticist , says , “ If already injured , don ’ t just grab that pill box to take pain away and carry on with your job . The pain is there for reason because of not using the correct muscles or correct posture when working . The most important thing you want to do is prevent injury form getting worse so try find the root of cause and not just treat the symptoms .”
Conlan recommends listening to one ’ s body as much as possible . And when necessary , a visit to a physiotherapist , chiropractor or biokineticist can assist with pain and correct lifting and posture . Conlan also says that prevention is better than cure , and along with Dr Goslett recommends regular stretching daily , especially after work and exercise . This can be done as part of your bed time routine : brush your teeth , stretch and then go to bed . Injuries can occur due to muscle compensation , which makes stretching important . o prevent injuries , as above : get moving , stretch daily after exercise / before bed and ensure to keep all
Stretching and spine care are not reserved for work , the gym and when you are at home . Being aware of your posture while sitting ( whether in a chair or driving ) is important and helps to prevent injury to the spine .
While there is a great deal of lifting and carrying involved in plumbing , it would be good to ensure regular spine check ups with your GP , chiropractor or physiotherapist to ensure that your spine is healthy and strong . Remember that joints also take a great deal of stress on the job , and it ’ s valuable to talk to your doctor about any concerns . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2024 Volume 30 I Number 9