Injuries from repetitive motions are nothing new. The strains and stresses placed on nerves and in the joints have been sources of injury and pain for many generations. You have likely heard of carpal tunnel syndrome. Tennis elbow is fairly well-known as well. Through the years, there have been a range of interesting monikers for repetitive stress injuries.
Medical literature from the 17th Century reportedly discusses milkmaid’s arm, according to HealthDay. Back in 1912, people who worked in the telegraph office started noticing pains that become known as telegraphists’ cramp. Morse Code operators became familiar with glass arm during the First World War.
The prevalence of computers in the workplace has created great focus on carpal tunnel and similar stress injuries. However, any repetitive motion can cause injury over time. Common types of repetitive motions include:
- Twisting from side to side at an assembly line
- Repetitive lifting motions – even with lighter loads
- Motions associated with hand tools, or repetitive motion strains using a jackhammer
Many jobs require the use of tools or instruments that are geared toward getting a task completed with little regard for the repeat strains on the human body. In Minnesota, workers may need to turn to the workers’ compensation system to get vital benefits for medical care, disability and lost wages related to an on-the-job injury. It is vital to report any work-related injuries to your employer.
If you have pains, tingling or other symptoms of a work-related stress injury, a workers’ comp lawyer can guide you through the process to help you get the full compensation to which you are entitled.