Overexertion: The Understated Injury 

Overexertion results when so much excessive exertion causes discomfort or injury.  Injuries related to overexertion account for over 3 million hospital visits a year.

Physical Overexertion: Physical overexertion is a common workplace risk. These types of injuries usually occur through repetitive motion such as typing, lifting heavy objects, or working in an awkward position. The pain is often acute, though it will decrease after medical care and preventative measures are taken. However, if the overexertion is constant, acute pain can become chronic, leading to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. Use your head; avoid pushing your body past its limits.

Overexertion can be prevented. Overexertion injuries typically cause inflammation, which leads to pain and discomfort. Report any signs of discomfort before it becomes a full-blown injury. Ergonomics can lessen overexertion injuries. The demands of the job must match the capabilities of the worker. This may require training so you know how to perform a job safely.

Repetitive jobs create muscle tension because they don’t allow the muscles enough time to recover. Repeating certain movements for long periods of time also can increase your stress level, causing you to become tense. It’s important to take frequent, short breaks.

You can avoid physical overexertion by practicing good posture.  Working in an awkward posture can place too much stress on the wrong part of your body. Place objects as close to you as possible. Keep your body positioned square to your work. Remember, your toes should always point in the same direction as your nose. Using proper posture may seem unnatural at first, but over time your body will appreciate the safer positions.

Overexertion is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for about 3.3 million emergency room visits, according to the 2011 edition of “Injury Facts,” which is based on 2008 data. In addition, overexertion is the number one most-disabling injuries (those that result in loss of 6 or more days from  work).

Use these safe lifting techniques: Stretch and warm up before lifting, keep your back straight, bend your knees, never bend or twist your back when lifting, never lift with arms extended,  make sure your footing is solid with your feet shoulder-width apart, keep the load being lifted close to your body, lift with your legs, not your back, limit the amount of weight you carry, and get help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads and keep pathways clear to avoid tripping.

Whether at work or home, take steps to prevent overexertion.

Overexertion injuries result from excessive effort in: Carrying, Lowering, Pulling, Lifting, Holding, Pushing