Editor’s Note: Injury prevention and wellness handouts are an effective (and inexpensive) way to educate and motivate employees to use good work practices and take care of their bodies.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for the free Wellness Handout PDF file.
Thoracic outlet compression is a disorder that is caused by compression of nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and blood vessels.
Sustained work postures such as forward head and arm positions can contribute to muscle imbalances and compression, which can interrupt the flow of nutrients and oxygenated blood to the arm, wrist, and hand for muscle recovery.
To prevent imbalance and compression in this area, sustained forward head and arm postures can be counteracted with targeted exercise and stretching.
Risk Factors for Thoracic Outlet Compression
Musculoskeletal disorders are a result of many causative risk factors that occur both at work and at home. Smart MSD prevention strategies are comprehensive and address all of these risk factors.
Work Risk Factors:
- Poor ergonomic design
- Poor body mechanics
- Repetition
- Excessive force
- Awkward posture
Lifestyle Risk Factors:
- Dehydration
- Poor nutrition
- Fatigue and inflammation
- Poor physical fitness
- Muscle imbalances
- “Wear and tear” due to the aging process
Free Employee Handout
While the company is responsible for providing a safe work environment and reducing risk of injuries, the employee is also responsible for taking care of their bodies and being fit for the work they have chosen to do.
When both parties accept their responsibilities, a true partnership is formed and the risk of injury is significantly decreased. Educating employees is a good first step towards coming together in a partnership for prevention.
Here is a free employee handout you can use to educate your employees on the risk factors and prevention strategies for Thoracic Outlet Compression.
Thoracic Outlet Compression (PDF)
