Managing aches and pains

Musculoskeletal disorders affect the joints, bones and muscles, and include arthritis, slipped discs, repetitive strain injuries, strains and a wide range of other conditions.

The most commonly affected body parts include the lower back, feet, knees and shoulders.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect both our home and work lives, reducing our ability to perform daily tasks, participate in sport and social activities, and even how we play with our children.

General health and wellbeing have an impact on musculoskeletal health. A good diet, an active lifestyle and a healthy weight can all help to reduce problems, but obesity, a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to making existing problems worse.

For information and support on how you can improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing visit www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk and use the code FFC1 to sign up.

There’s a lot you can do to help reduce musculoskeletal problems and alleviate existing symptoms:

• Stretching exercises and making every effort to remain supple and flexible are particularly beneficial for sedentary jobs that include prolonged periods of time sat at a computer, driving a lorry or working in awkward positions.
• Walking or cycling to work, stretching frequently and being active during your breaks can make a big difference to your physical wellbeing.
• Joining an exercise class, taking part in sports, gardening or other physical activities can help reduce aches and pains as well as stress.
• Taking care when lifting and handling heavy items and following Safe Systems of Work will help to reduce strains.
• Rotating between different tasks during your shift will allow tired muscles and joints to recover.
• Think about good posture while sitting, standing and moving.
• Work together to identify issues in your work areas that may be contributing to musculoskeletal disorders.
• Seek medical advice early if you develop a problem via your doctor or physiotherapist, and follow any advice you are given.
• If you need additional foot arch support and do a lot of walking or standing, you may suffer aching feet, or problems in your legs, knees or back. Arch supportive insoles may help. Orthosoles are customisable insoles that are available to all colleagues at a 30% discount on www.orthosole.com. Use the coupon code RMG19 at checkout.
• There is a wide range of discounted gym memberships and exercise classes available on My Bundle Plus.