When work hurts
Working is fun. That is, usually. It can also have a downside. For example, because your health suffers from your work. Especially if the symptoms become chronic. An overview of the most common work-related illnesses and how to deal with them. In any case, take the time to recover.
Everyone suffers from some headaches after a hard day’s work. And everyone sometimes feels a neck or shoulder muscle after strenuous computer work. It becomes more annoying if complaints persist for a long time, or even lead to absenteeism due to illness. Stress, carpal tunnel syndrome and fatigue are common. Burnout and RSI are the best-known chronic work-related complaints.
Burnout
A little stress is not bad at all for you, it makes you clear and alert. Some people also perform a lot better with stress. Only: that stress should not last too long. When the body and mind are exploited for a long time – through hard work and little rest – a burnout can occur. It is the superlative of overstrain. With all its consequences.
What are the symptoms?
- Concentration problems
- Total lethargy
- Forgetfulness
- crying spells
- Sleep problems
- Negative self image
- Aloof and cynical attitude to work
What are the causes?
The exact cause of a burnout is difficult to pinpoint. It often involves a combination of factors: a perfectionist personality, a high workload, a long period of high stress and little rest and a demanding environment.
How do you prevent it?
You can prevent a burnout by tackling the possible causes. So take enough time for rest and relaxation, clearly indicate your limits, listen to your body and know that everything does not have to be perfect. Concrete training courses are also given to prevent work stress (and thus burnout).
How do you treat it?
Once you think you have a burnout, visit your doctor. He/she can prescribe sedatives or refer you. Also talk to your employer. This can remove any work-related causes (such as work pressure/working hours). The best results in the treatment of burnout are obtained by short-term psychotherapy.
RSI
RSI is a contemporary problem, but that is more because the multitude of complaints has finally been given a name. Because even before RSI was called ‘RSI’, people were already bothered by it. Think, for example, of hairdressers, who often have to make the same movement and therefore suffer from shoulder and arm. RSI therefore stands for ‘repetitive strain injury’.
What are the symptoms?
Pain, stiffness, tingling and loss of strength in the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers.
What are the causes?
The best-known and most important causes are making repetitive movements (such as typing, cutting, scrolling with the mouse) and a prolonged static posture (for example, sitting in front of a computer).
In addition to these causes, personal factors also play a role. Anyone who is stressed, has to work under high work pressure or who is a perfectionist, may be more likely to experience RSI.
How do you prevent it?
Here too, rest and relaxation are the magic words. Alternate computer work (walk to the printer, read, talk to colleagues), take frequent mini-breaks (a short 20-second break every ten minutes) and regular longer breaks (a 10-minute break every two hours) , ensure a good workplace and a workload that you can handle (talk about this with your supervisor).
And, also very important: pay attention to your working posture. While working, especially if you want to finish something quickly, you tend to lean back or sit very hunched over. Try to continuously monitor your posture and correct it if necessary. With a good physical and psychological work attitude you can prevent RSI.
How do you treat it?
If you think you have RSI, don’t wait any longer and take action. The symptoms can quickly worsen. Above, at ‘how do you prevent it?’ There are not only tips that help prevent RSI, but also how to treat it. A visit to the doctor can also help. He can refer you to a specialist. For some specific RSI-like complaints, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery can be a solution.
There are also all kinds of therapies (such as physiotherapy, posture therapy, relaxation therapy) that can help you. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say in advance which therapy will work best for you. But know that even with the worst RSI complaints, relief and good improvement is possible. It is important that you have patience during a treatment (take the time to let a treatment work and do not expect immediate results), that you persevere and that you continue to take rest and relaxation in a disciplined manner.
