PAIN- an unpleasant response to real or perceived tissue damage:

An estimated 50 to 75 million Americans have chronic pain and this is the leading cause of adult disabilities. Chronic pain costs and estimated $100 billion dollars per year and results in over 50 million lost workdays.

Chronic pain is a pain lasting longer than three months where as acute pain associated with an event such as fracture or sprain can go away in three to six months with the body’s normal healing process.

Back pain is the most frequently identified cause of lost time on the job as well as lost productivity. It accounts for 12.7% in lost productivity compared to absenteeism only 1.1%. As you can see, pain management on the job can be very beneficial.

Another leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity are Migraine headaches. Reoccurring headaches affect 12% of the US adult population.

A 2006 survey stated that 89% of all sufferers of chronic pain go to work rather than stay home each day. On the job pain management solutions are wide and vary with each disability but there are a number of common sense thing to consider while on the job.

• Adopt healthy habits. Eating healthy and exercising at home as well as on the job can be very beneficial. Check out any health and wellness programs that may be offered by your employer.
• Use medications. There are lots of non-drowsy over the counter medications available that are very effective at reducing discomfort.
• Avoid stressful situations. Take regular breaks by stretching, meditating in a quiet area or taking walks.
• Adjust your workspace; modify your workstation altering the height, use hand or foot rests, and limit the number of repetitive motions or twists. Even limiting the weight of objects that may need lifted.
• Talk to your human resources department about accommodations to help you perform daily tasks at your workstation.
• Talk to your doctor about pharmacological treatments. The use of prescription or over the counter drugs.
• Consider all complementary therapies such as occupational, massage, acupuncture, osteopathic or chiropractic treatments.

Don’t let chronic pain prevent you from performing your job or being a less productive employee.

For more information please call 866-362-2691 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.westernfirstaid.com