Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) come in many forms and have many causes. In all cases, they are pains and ailments caused by repetitive activities like lifting, painting, typing or using handheld tools. They can affect the arms, neck, shoulders or back.
The workplace is a common environment for these injuries to develop – most workplaces involve doing some kind of repeated activity. RSIs often begin as a dull ache or tingling that is easy to ignore. However, they can gradually progress into a more severe pain or chronic numbness. Those of us who are older are particularly susceptible due to years of potentially doing the same work.
The best way to recover from an RSI is to take a break from the activity that caused it – which could mean taking a break from working. This is easier said than done, as many of us need an ongoing income or may be involved in work projects that we want to see through to completion. In this guide, we’ll take a look at why it could be vital that you take a break now and how you can fund yourself.
The importance of time off
Taking time away from work is often a necessity when dealing with RSIs. Continuing to ‘work through the pain’ could lead symptoms to intensify and make any injury worse. Something that could have disappeared on its own might require more serious treatment or may even turn into an inoperable chronic condition. You might eventually be forced to stop working forever, when taking a couple weeks off might have healed the injury had you taken a break earlier.
A doctor will usually recommend taking a break. Make sure that this time off is spent resting and not doing any activities similar to the motion that caused the injury (if using tools at work caused the injury, don’t spend your time off work trying to do DIY projects around the house). Looking into rehabilitative care is worthwhile as you recover.
How to take a break
Many employers offer sick leave as part of their benefits package. Recovering from an RSI is a valid reason to take sick leave – you’ll get a small amount of payment from your employer to help fund your time off. Having a doctor’s note may be necessary for some employers to issue sick leave.
If an injury is directly caused by work, you should also consider whether you’re eligible to make a worker’s compensation claim. All employers must have worker’s compensation insurance in place by law, which pays for recovery and treatment if an employee is injured due to work. Your employer cannot fire you for making a claim and a good employer will work with you to claim the compensation you’re deserved.
For cases where an RSI has already become severe and chronic, applying for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) may be possible. Law firms like Impact Disability Law can help you apply for this government welfare and secure any benefits you may be owed.
Continuing to work with an RSI
If you’re dead set on continuing to work, it may be possible to stay in employment and let your injury heal, but you’ll need to take some measures at work to avoid aggravating the injury.
Consider avoiding certain tasks at work, making ergonomic adjustments (like repositioning your desk and chair) or using different tools (like a low-vibration hand tool). Make sure that you are still taking any medication or using recommended medical devices like an arm brace.
