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Staying in Work Cures Your Back Pain

by VR Sreeraman on Sep 7 2007 6:35 PM

People who suffer from arthritis and back pain can heave a sigh of relief now as experts say that staying in work would not only help them recover fast but also cure them from back pain.

Reports say that people suffering from common occupational illnesses like musculoskeletal disorders stop working altogether or take long periods of sick leave. Some of the problems are repetitive strain injuries, low back pain and joint injuries.

Even some doctors suggest that they should resume working only after becoming 100 percent well. But such people may be doming themselves more harm than good, reported the online edition of BBC News.

Evidence suggests that people can benefit from going back to work as soon as possible and doctors and employers need to focus on what people can do rather than what they cannot, the report by Michelle Mahdon of The Work Foundation said.

"It may cause or aggravate symptoms, but evidence is amassing that with the right support arrangements, work can also be part of the recovery by contributing to a person's self-esteem and sense of being productive," the report said.

"In appropriate cases a return to normal activities could lead to more rapid recovery, although fear of pain and lack of support from colleagues could make it daunting," Professor Alan Silman, medical director of the Arthritis Research Campaign, said.

"However, work can be a major contributor to musculoskeletal problems through excessive loading, poor posture, repetitive movements and other mechanical causes," he added.

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He said each person needed to be assessed individually to evaluate whether the work place environment could be modified to encourage return to work.

Source-IANS
SRM/C


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