Injuries soar as routines change
With lockdown over in New Zealand, many people are now trying to move forward with their lives as normal.
However, from a spinal health perspective, it’s important to understand that what has just happened is anything but normal, and various factors have contributed to a spike in spinal injuries, the onset of chronic spinal pain and other conditions.
Happy Spine chiropractor Rob Hutchings says a significant number of people who were able to continue working from home on their computers began to experience pain and discomfort as the lockdown progressed.
Many had scrambled to get their work materials home in time and work was often done without the ideal ergonomic setup their office may have provided, he says.
For builders, construction workers and others with a physically demanding job, the time off may have initially given some relief.
However, the seven-week break followed by a sudden restart of physical work may have been a big adjustment for the body, causing old injuries to flare up and new injuries to become obvious.
On the other hand, some people were much more physically active during lockdown, taking advantage of the extra time to go for walks, runs and bike rides.
This sudden increase in physical activity has also led to many sports and exercise related injuries, Rob says.
Other people had accidents during lockdown and couldn’t have their injuries properly attended to at the time.
Rob says the physical pain has come on top of an already stressful situation as people grapple with uncertainty over their jobs, the spread of the virus and the health of their friends, family and finances.
‘‘It adds to our collective stress load. But it is always important to look after your spine,’’ he says.
‘‘The last thing people need is for a spinal injury to derail their personal or economic recovery.’’
Happy Spine has been serving Christchurch for 20 years and in the past few months has helped many people with lockdown-related injuries.
Spinal misalignments that lead to injury can be caused by postural issues, physical work, accidents, and exercise and sports overuse.
Prevention is always best, and Happy Spine can share techniques to help you move and work safely, although seeking treatment as soon as possible is the next best thing to avoid the condition worsening and to ensure a solid recovery.
Happy Spine chiropractors are there to have your back as Kiwis rebuild their personal and collective economic prosperity.