Work-related muscle strains are common among people who work in physically demanding environments.
The human body is made up of 35-40 percent muscle. There are hundreds of muscles and soft tissue layers in the body. Muscle strains are common among people who work in physically demanding environments. However, work-related muscle strain can occur in any type of job, including sedentary work. A single wrong movement can cause a muscle strain.
A worker can strain a muscle by putting excessive pressure on the muscle or overexerting it to the point where a tear develops. A muscle tear can lead to bleeding under the skin, which causes a visible bruise to appear. A muscle strain can cause a lot of pain, because of the irritated nerve ending near the injured muscle.
Causes of Work-Related Muscle Strains
Whenever a muscle is stretched beyond its normal range of motion, it can cause a muscle strain, especially if it involves lifting heavy weights. Leg muscles can be strained by abrupt movements such as pivoting. Back injuries occur when a worker stretches or bends too far when lifting or carrying objects. Muscle strains can also occur due to repetitive use, such as in assembly lines, where a worker uses the same set of muscles repeatedly for prolonged hours.
Symptoms of Muscle Strain
A worker should stop working immediately if he or she experiences any of the following symptoms. Report the injury to a supervisor or employer as soon as possible.
- Pain when the muscle or corresponding joint is moved.
- Pain even when the injured part is immobile.
- Swelling, redness, or bruising of the skin.
- Immobility of the muscle.
- Weakness of the muscle or connected tendons.
Treatments for Muscle Strains
Once you have reported your injury to your supervisor, seek immediate medical care. The doctor will examine the injured area and may perform imaging tests to diagnose the type of injury. If an imagining test confirms a muscle strain, the doctor may recommend applying cold packs and lightly stretching the muscle to reduce swelling. Once the swelling is reduced, heating pads can be used to reduce pain.
The doctor may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to increase mobility and reduce pain. Proper rest is important to help a strained muscle heal and the doctor may recommend light duty work or certain physical restrictions for a specific period of time. Carefully follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure compliance with your workers’ compensation claim. Failure to do so may cost you workers’ compensation benefits.
St. Louis Work Comp Lawyer
If you have suffered a muscle strain at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In case you face any difficulty in getting your rightful benefits, seek legal help from a St. Louis work comp lawyer. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.