Of all employees with health problems in our country, no less than 26 percent suffer from physical complaints, such as pain and discomfort in the muscles and joints. This has emerged from research by Idewe, an external service for prevention and protection at work. Physical pain complaints are one of the main causes of long-term absenteeism.
In one in five of the employees who are incapacitated for work, this is because of pain complaints in the muscles and joints. Figures from the 2019 health report, which surveyed 206,726 employees by Idewe, show that 10.3 percent of all employees take medication for pain and inflammation complaints.
Research shows that high physical strain such as assuming the same posture for a long time or lifting heavy loads at work are risk factors for lower back pain. Ergonomics in the workplace is important, but other factors also play a role. It appears, for example, that social support from colleagues and supervisors, just like sufficient physical exercise, are protective factors for neck and back pain. High work pressure and stress, on the other hand, are risk factors that are better avoided in order to avoid neck pain.
Awareness and insight
That is why it is important that employers are sensitized to nurture their employees in pain and keep them working. This can be done by focusing on good ergonomics, but also by paying attention to the employee’s work experience. Sufficient movement and variation in posture during work are crucial here. The way in which employees themselves deal with their pain complaints also determines whether or not they continue to work or return successfully.
“Give employees insight into how pain works, how the pain system can change if pain persists and which work factors influence that system,” explains Liesbeth Daenen, researcher at Idewe. “This gives them a better understanding of how pain arises and so they stop worrying. They are reassured, so that fear and uncertainty about pain and work disappears. The motivation to get started themselves and to take control of their own health and pain complaints. It is crucial that we assume an approach tailored to each individual, with a focus on prevention. “
Idewe’s research is launched on the occasion of “Week of Pain”, which runs from 7 to 13 October.
In one in five of the employees who are incapacitated for work, this is because of pain complaints in the muscles and joints. Figures from the 2019 health report, which surveyed 206,726 employees by Idewe, show that 10.3 percent of all employees take medication for pain and inflammatory complaints. Research shows that high physical strain, such as assuming the same posture for a long time or lifting heavy loads at work are risk factors for lower back pain. Ergonomics in the workplace is important, but other factors also play a role. It appears, for example, that social support from colleagues and supervisors, just like sufficient physical exercise, are protective factors for neck and back pain. In contrast, high workload and stress are risk factors that are better avoided to avoid neck pain, so it is important for employers to be sensitized to nurture their employees in pain and keep them working. This can be done by focusing on good ergonomics, but also by paying attention to the employee’s work experience. Sufficient movement and variation in posture during work are crucial here. The way in which employees themselves deal with their pain complaints also determines whether or not they continue to work or return successfully. “Give employees insight into how pain works, how the pain system can change if pain persists and which work factors influence that system,” explains Liesbeth Daenen, researcher at Idewe. “This gives them a better understanding of how pain arises and so they stop worrying. They are reassured, so that fear and uncertainty about pain and work disappears. The motivation to get started themselves and to take control of their own health and pain complaints. It is crucial to adopt a tailor-made approach for each individual, with a focus on prevention. “Idewe’s research will be launched on the occasion of” Week of Pain “, which will run from 7 to 13 October .
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