Top Pain Management Solutions for Employees with Repetitive Strain Injuries

Workplace injuries don’t always take the form of accidents or sudden trauma. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) build up over time. 

Since it’s not always possible to modify the motions needed to complete some jobs, Dr. Krishna Chunduri, anesthesiologist and pain medicine professional at Advanced Spine and Pain Specialists, sometimes takes a pain management approach when treating work injuries. 

Let’s look at some of the most common workplace RSIs and the best pain management approaches. 

The most common workplace RSIs

RSIs take time to develop. They cause micro-injuries that accumulate before you begin feeling lasting pain.

The body’s joints are versatile and are meant to extend through their full ranges of motion. Unfortunately, some motions are harder on your body than others. 

Without breaks from the damaging motions, musculoskeletal damage begins. Frequent workplace RSIs include: 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Herniated discs
• Rotator cuff disorders
• Tennis elbow
• Trigger finger

RSIs can also include nerve entrapment, tissue inflammation, muscle strain, and tears to ligaments or tendons. 

Top pain management solutions for employees with repetitive strain injuries

The best way to treat pain often depends on your symptoms and the type of injury. Even with more advanced injuries, treatment usually starts with conservative therapies before moving to options like joint injections and surgery. 

R.I.C.E therapy

A standard first aid protocol for most soft tissue injuries is R.I.C.E. This acronym includes: 

• Rest: discontinuing the task causing pain 
• Ice: using cold compresses to reduce inflammation and pain
• Compression: wrapping the affected area controls swelling and adds support
• Elevation: raising an injured joint above the level of the heart promotes drainage, reduced inflammation, and pain control

Accompanying R.I.C.E. therapy with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is common. 

Workplace ergonomics

Although not every work task can be optimized ergonomically, most jobs can be altered to reduce the impact of repetitive strain. 

Corticosteroids

Available as oral medications, injections, and topical ointments, corticosteroids are powerful and long-lasting anti-inflammatory medications. 

Occupational and physical therapy

Targeted exercise and task modification can adapt both your body and work conditions to reduce the prevalence of motions contributing to RSIs. 

Lifestyle changes

Increasing physical activity, adding healthy diet changes, and maintaining an optimal weight provide reduced risks of reinjury. 

Workers’ compensation applies to RSIs

Though RSIs don’t have a defining event causing the injury, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage for time lost. We can help you navigate the process and support your claim from a medical perspective. 

Visit us at Advanced Spine & Pain Specialists for a detailed examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Call or click to book your appointment today.