The profession of teaching has many risks. Teachers are on the front lines, dealing with students daily and making sure they learn in an environment where they feel safe. Teachers have to deal with so much from day to day, leading to some pretty serious injuries. This article will talk about six of the most common injuries that teachers suffer from while at work.
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Teachers can end up with carpal tunnel syndrome, which is an inflammation of the nerve in the wrist. This can occur due to repetitive motion injuries that come with using a computer all day long to grade papers and type up lesson plans!
A good way teachers can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring is to make sure they take frequent breaks from the computer throughout their school day so that their wrists can have a chance to recover and rest!
2. Low back pain
Low back pain is another very common injury that teachers face. Since they are in front of their class all day, it’s easy for them to end up hunched over when looking at papers or talking to students at a low desk.
Teachers who find themselves suffering from low back pain should ensure that they’re stretching and moving throughout the school day to avoid more serious injuries.
3. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, teachers who use computers for long periods can have repetitive strain injuries. This is an injury that’s caused by overusing a part of the body through small movements!
Teachers should make sure they take frequent breaks to lessen the risk of this type of injury.
4. Stress fractures in the foot or ankle
Teachers who are on their feet all day long, could experience stress fractures in the foot or ankle. When a person is standing for an extended period, it’s easy for small bones in their body to become fatigued and break!
A good way teachers can prevent this type of injury from happening is to make sure they sit sometimes and wear good shoes.They should also work on stretching their feet and ankles on breaks, so this type of injury doesn’t occur.
5. Neck injuries
Teachers all work in different environments, but most have one thing in common: grading schoolwork. Looking down for extended periods of time can lead to neck injuries or pain!
Good posture when you are sitting or standing will help prevent these types of injuries from occurring!
A good way teachers can prevent this type of injury is by ensuring they have proper posture when grading papers or looking at essays. They could also elevate the papers on the stand so they aren’t forced to look down continually while grading.
6. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is another injury that can easily occur for teachers who are on their feet all day long. This condition causes heel pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes!
A good way teachers can prevent plantar fasciitis from occurring is to wear supportive shoes throughout the school day. Foot massages are also great at the end of the school day.
What should I do if I experience an injury and can’t work?
The injuries that teachers face are not just statistics. They’re real-life consequences of a profession that requires lots of standing, stamina, and walking. Many employers will be accommodating if you experience a workplace related injury. However, if your employer isn’t helping you, contact a Coral Gables workers comp lawyer to make sure you get the compensation you need.
