In New Zealand, tradespeople and labourers are among the highest workforces for incidences of workplace-related injuries, making up a significant portion of professional injuries and serious injury claims. The nature of trades work is labour-intensive and can be quite hard on the body, often leading to persistent aches and pains throughout their careers.
As Chiropractors, we see many tradespeople and understand how crucial it is for them to function at their best. We also know how common it is for a tradesperson to push through the pain to get a job done. Ignoring pain is dangerous; it’s your body’s way of letting you know something isn’t quite right. Knowing when to slow down and seek help is essential. A couple of hours off your week can save you weeks off work. Prevention is always easier than cure.
Common Types of Tradie Injuries
Many tradespeople commonly complain of lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder, and knee problems. Our bodies are made to be used, and while a week of labour-intensive work can run you down or make you tired, you should not feel extremely sore.
Back Pain
Most people will experience back pain at some point in their life; however, tradespeople have a much higher incidence rate due to their work nature. Back pain can be quite debilitating and frustrating, occurring in the upper, middle, or lower back and often referring pain to other parts of the body.
Back injuries such as strains, sprains, and disc issues can result from lack of mobility, incorrect lifting techniques, poor posture, and improper management of current injuries. These injuries can be very debilitating as the spine is the center of movement in the skeleton. Keeping active and ensuring you stretch and move your body will help maintain your health and prevent aches and pains. If you’re feeling aches, pains, or even little niggles, it’s important to have them checked out early by a health professional. As Chiropractors, we specialise in spine function and will ensure we get you back on track.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is also a common complaint among tradespeople—looking up all day, crawling through roofs, and wearing heavy PPE gear can take its toll. Neck pain can manifest as limited movement, sharp shooting pain, dull aches, headaches, and pain that travels into the shoulders or arms. A little stiffness in the neck can quickly turn into a bigger issue, which is why spinal checks are essential to ensure proper movement. A Chiropractor will assess your posture, spinal movement, and tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Don’t Wait Until Pain Stops You from Everyday Activities!
Many people wait until pain stops them from doing their day-to-day activities before seeking help, leading to bigger issues and longer recovery times. Tradespeople work long hours, leaving them tired and time-poor, making it easy to neglect their health. If you’re reading this and thinking it might be time to put your health first, we are here to help. Give us a call or book an appointment online.
Our Top 3 Tips for Tradies to Start Feeling, Moving, and Functioning Better
- Move Your Body Outside Work: Find something you enjoy and do it often.
- Eat a Well-Balanced Diet: Fuel your body with food that makes you feel good.
- Listen to Your Body: There is always a reason for pain, and it’s important not to ignore it.
Most importantly, do these three things in a way that you can maintain. Find something that fits in with your life and can’t be easily neglected.
