Work Loaded Lower-Back Injuries and Robotic Solutions

Introduction:

Lower back pain has become a common concern for most people at work. The use of robotics has become common in the workplace. Robotics in the workplace has increased safety and health and has contributed to the overall lessening of the burden at work. But at the same time, robotics have risks and hazards that can impact the workplace, too. Read the article to know more.

How to Prevent Getting Lower Back Pain at Work?

Some of the methods that can be practiced to prevent lower back pain are:

• Avoid work activities that have a higher risk of causing lower back pain.

• If the activity cannot be avoided, assess it to see what can be done to reduce the lower back pain.

• Apply control measures while working and monitor them properly to see whether these work.

What Are the Reasons for the Occurrence of Back Pain at Work?

Some common reasons are:

• Lifting of heavy objects or heavy loads.

• Carrying loads in an inappropriate position, usually in one hand.

• Dragging, pushing, or pulling heavy loads.

• Manual handling in improper places.

• Repetitive task.

• Extremely bending, crouching, or stooping.

• Too much twisting, reaching, or stretching.

• Working in the same position for very long.

• Working beyond one’s capability.

• Working using display screen equipment.

• Driving for long distances or on a rough route where the seat cannot be adjusted according to the person.

How Does Robotics Used in the Workplace Enhance Safety and Health?

Robotics can enhance the opportunities for safety and health in the workplace. One main reason is that robots can replace humans in the workplace in case of hazardous environments. Some reasons why robots enhance safety and health in the workplace are:

• Robots Can Decrease the Risk of Falls From Height:

Robots can reduce the risk of falls from height when used in a warehouse. This can be done as robots can reach the items at a height the workers cannot reach. It prevents workers from operating aerial lift equipment.

• Robots Can Prevent the Risk of MSDS (Musculoskeletal Disorders):

Another place where robots play a major role in reducing the risk of injury is in the manufacturing industry. Exoskeletal robots are used to perform repetitive tasks by eliminating workers. People who are involved in repetitive tasks usually suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. So use of robots can reduce the risk of MSDs.

• Robots Can Help to Prevent Injuries Caused by Lifting Heavy Objects:

The use of robotics can reduce the number of workers involved in lifting heavy objects. Some workers can experience back pain or injuries due to lifting heavy objects.

• Robots Can Prevent Injuries Caused Due to Workers Fatigue:

A main advantage of using robotics in the workplace is that these robots can work for many hours without any breaks. Like humans, the productivity of robots does not reduce the longer time they work. Usually, workers experience more injury when they are tired and cannot work efficiently.

What Are the Uses of Robotics in the Workplace?

Advancing robotic technology plays an important role in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. It is mainly used in the rehabilitation of lower back pain conditions. The targeted population who use robotics are:

• People with spinal cord injury.

• People affected by stroke.

• Cerebral palsy is a condition that makes it difficult for the person to move or maintain balance.

• Parkinson's disease is a condition which affects the nervous system of the person.

• Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition of the central nervous system.

• Traumatic brain injury.

• Elderly care.

• Post-injury.

• Orthopedics.

What Are the Advantages of Using Robotics?

Robots' main advantage is their use in lower back rehabilitation, especially for gait recovery. This can reduce the time and physical effort of the physiotherapist. This seems to be an expensive and unrealistic approach for rehabilitation purposes, but it is labor-intensive for the physical therapist to provide this care. Gait is an important aspect that has been focused more on by robotic rehab.

With the use of robotics, less attention of the physical therapist is required to provide the same mechanical therapy. While using robotics, the therapist only needs to supervise and set up the device. Some ways where robotics can be beneficial are:

• It helps to monitor and control the movement parameters.

• It helps to provide sensory feedback while moving.

• It provides a safe place for controlled perturbation.

• It helps to provide weight support.

Robotics help to enhance the range of movement. The range of movement is enhanced by providing the proper amount of velocity and amplitude, which is applied depending on the needs of the individual.

What Are the Other Health Outcomes of Using Robotics?

Long-term use of robotics related to the lower extremities can result in:

• Enhanced strength in the lower extremities.

• Enhanced posture.

• Improved bone density.

• Enhanced sleep.

• Improved bowel movements.

• Reduced pain.

• Reduced cholesterol.

• Reduced spasticity.

• Reducing the incidence of cardiovascular conditions.

• Reduced risk of diabetes.

What Are the Challenges of Using Robotics in Work-Related Injuries?

Even though robotics is very beneficial in managing lower extremity injuries, many challenges need to be considered. Some of the main disadvantages are:

• High cost of using this equipment.

• Lack of evidence for the patient’s improvement in using robotics.

• Requirement of standardized measures for therapy and assessment.

• Robotic equipment is usually bulky.

• Reduced power supply in the case of mobile units.

• People affected by spasticity can be triggered by using robotics.

• Patients using robotics with a heart condition can be risky.

What Are the Robotic Devices Used at Present?

Some robotic devices are used to treat lower extremity injuries. Some robotics used at present are:

• Power over-grounded exoskeletal devices.

• Body weight-supported treadmill.

• End-effector device.

Conclusion:

Many work-related issues can result in lower back pain or lower back injury. At the present day, robotics are used in many workplaces to reduce the risk of the worker's lower back pain or injury. Robotics are also used widely in the rehabilitation of lower back pain. When incorporating technology into therapy, motivation and engagement are vital for a patient’s success and good outcomes.