Sitting at a desk and tapping away at a computer might not seem like a dangerous job. And it’s certainly not as dangerous as working in construction, where you can fall off a roof, or working as a long-haul trucker who could get into a life-altering collision at any point.
Nonetheless, thousands of people are hurt each year working at desk jobs. They suffer intense pain and disability which forces them to take time off from work. In need of expensive medical care, they also lose out on income because they must rest at home.
Call Snow, Carpio & Weekley, PLC if you were hurt on the job. You might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for an injury, even if you work at a desk all day. Our Phoenix workers’ compensation lawyers explain more in this article.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This is a common repetitive stress or repetitive motion injury. Anyone working as a secretary, administrative assistant, or data entry specialist can suffer from this injury.
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to injuries affecting the median nerve as it passes through a tunnel in the wrist. Constant motion can cause inflammation in the ligament which crosses over the carpal tunnel. When inflamed, the ligament can press on the median nerve, causing weakness in the fingers and hand. Other injuries can narrow the tunnel or cause a bone spur, which also result in weakness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome varies in severity. A mild case might only require a few days off before normal sensation returns. More serious carpal tunnel syndrome can require corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or even surgery to free the ligament and finally relieve pain.
More serious carpal tunnel syndrome can make it impossible for a person to return to work. It is a very serious injury requiring rest, rehabilitation, and pain management. Call our firm to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer about whether you can receive benefits.
Lower Back Injuries
Sitting at a desk for hours can lead to lower back pain. Many people don’t sit with correct posture, but many also don’t have the right chair to provide support for the back.
There are many causes of back pain:
- Strain on discs. Slouching will place strain on the discs in between your vertebrae, leading to pain.
- Sciatica. This nerve runs down the spine to the base of your lower back. Any number of conditions can pinch the nerve, causing numbness in your legs.
- Muscle strain. Workers can strain their lower backs when they sit for extended periods. You might strain when you twist dramatically to reach for something on your desk.
Getting up and moving at regular intervals can help prevent back injuries, as can learning the correct way of sitting at work. Unfortunately, back injuries tend to get worse if you don’t immediately rest or receive treatment.
Computer Elbow (“Mouse Elbow”)
Are you noticing pain in your elbow? You might suffer from computer elbow, also called mouse elbow. Sitting with your hand on a mouse for hours can injure the muscles and tendons in the elbow joint. Common symptoms include tingling in your elbow, as well as any pain when you move your arm.
Working for extended periods puts stress on the muscles in your forearm. The problems increase if you put your mouse far away from your body or have it elevated. As a result, the muscles and tendons around your elbow can become inflamed.
At first, you might notice some mild discomfort. Stretching and resting can eventually cause the problem to disappear. But most workers power through, and the pain only increases in the following days until you can no longer sit at a computer.
Eyestrain
Staring at a computer for hours on end can also lead to eyestrain. Other causes include a monitor which is too bright or too close to your face. You might experience:
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing (blurred vision)
- Short sightedness
You should work with your boss to try and adjust the monitor, including the brightness. Regular breaks to rest your eyes are also critical.
Overexertion
Many desk jobs occasionally require a person to lift something heavy. For example, a secretary might spend most of her time tapping away at a computer but then need to lift a 50-pound box which was delivered in the mail.
It’s easy for someone who sits most of the day to suffer an overexertion injury. This is often a sprain or strain due to a sudden need to lift a heavy weight. A workplace should provide equipment to assist moving heavy items, like a dolly. But some workers try to lift the object themselves and get injured.
Even worse, workers can overcompensate the next time they lift a heavy object. Consequently, they suffer a cascade of injuries and can pull all sorts of muscles.
Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses are a silent killer at many workplaces, depending on the toxins or pollution at work. For example, your building might have old asbestos which has never been properly removed. Or you have black mold which workers inhale while sitting at their computers. Proper ventilation is necessary for all workers, even those at desks.
Respiratory illnesses present certain challenges for receiving benefits. One is connecting your illness to your jobsite. For example, a workers’ compensation insurer might claim you really inhaled toxins at home or while traveling to work. We can help you document the required link between work and an occupational illness. Doing so will help you receive benefits.
Call Us to Learn More about Your Workers’ Rights
Injured workers are entitled to medical care at no cost to them. Other workers’ compensation benefits include wage loss benefits and possibly vocational rehabilitation. Thousands of workers struggle to get a claim approved, however, so they should hire an experienced law firm to help them navigate the workers’ comp claims process.
Call Snow, Carpio & Weekley, PLC, today at (877) 370-5768 to schedule a consultation with a member of our office. We can review your injuries and determine whether you have a strong enough case.
