Everything You Need To Know About Cumulative Trauma Disorder

 On-the-job injuries can be the result of an accident or repeated trauma from repetitive work. While specific injury claims are the most prevalent in California, Cumulative Trauma Disorder are also compensable. Not all states cover cumulative injuries because proving fault is often difficult. Nevertheless, whether the injury occurred all at once or gradually over time, the pain and productivity loss are real. A worker has a case if they can provide convincing evidence that they have been required to perform repetitive tasks over months or years that have been medically determined to contribute to a medical problem.

What is Cumulative Trauma?

Cumulative trauma refers to any type of injury caused by repetitive stress. When employees perform identical motions throughout entire shifts, day after day, month after month, or even year after year, the daily trauma accumulates. Although the individual may overlook a painful joint, repeated trauma will inflame the condition and exacerbate the symptoms.

Can You Treat Cumulative Trauma Disorder?

Treatment begins with identifying the cause of the injury and implementing the necessary modifications to stop or limit the activity. If your job is the cause of your injury, you will need time off to recover and proper accommodations when you return to work. This could simply entail providing office workers with a more ergonomic workspace. In extreme cases, however, finding a new job or making a concerted effort to rotate positions may be necessary. Strengthening the affected limbs can also aid in preventing recurrence.

Resting the strained muscle or tendon will promote healing significantly. In addition, for a variety of conditions, your physician can recommend stretching exercises for you to perform at home. More advanced conditions may necessitate specialized physical therapy. And advanced cases may even necessitate surgical treatment.

How To Prevent Cumulative Trauma Disorders?

These conditions primarily affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints. Excessive muscle flexion or extension, abnormal body positioning, repetitive movements, or excessive force causes trauma. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of CTD will enable you to take preventative measures such as:

1. Use proper posture
2. Take short breaks to stretch
3. Use ergonomically designed tools
4. Focus on healthy habits
5. Adjust your workstation – monitors, keyboards, and chairs
6. Be mindful of pain and wear braces as needed

How To Get Workers Compensation For A Cumulative Trauma Disorder?

See a medical doctor if you are experiencing pain. All treatments leading up to a diagnosis should be documented. Notify your employer if you believe your diagnosis is a result of activities performed on the job. Find an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist you with your case. With these types of injuries, the date of injury may not be clear, and it may take longer than the typical statute of limitations for the effects of the injury to manifest. However, this does not mean that you have no right to worker’s compensation.

Conclusion

Cumulative trauma is a lesser-known occupational injury caused by years of repetitive motion. Until the trauma becomes severe and the pain persists, it can be difficult to detect, making it difficult to pinpoint exact causes. However, full-time employees spend a considerable amount of time performing similar tasks. In many cases, these job duties cause injury; therefore, workers’ compensation should apply. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding these types of claims, making it easier for insurance companies to deny them. If you have CTD, it is essential to seek professional help. To learn more about your rights, contact (844)-414-1768 or visit Pistiolas Law today.

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