Work Related Orthopedic Problems in Teachers

Introduction:
Teaching is not just an art or a science. Its a noble profession that involves cultivating & culturing minds to create a new individual. No other profession involves such a beautiful concept. But unfortunately problems associating with teaching professions are also immense. The job demands of teaching puts on an intense physical demand on the teachers.

The teachers are involved in multitude of tasks including teaching, exams, supervision, paper corrections & additional responsibilities of student care, attendance, PTA meetings etc. Not to forget the special tasks of computers, crafts, drawing, physical education etc.

Problems in Teachers:
Teachers may suffer from problems like back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow & wrist pain & other problems like varicose veins, chalk dust allergies etc. But these problems can be efficiently handled & taken care of by following the ergonomic concepts.


What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics means the rules or the laws of work. They are the basic norms to be followed at work to match the demands of the work to the worker. Ergonomics also deals with fitting the work to the worker.
In case of teachers, ergonomics deals with matching the task of teaching user friendly & more productive. It also deals with reducing the risk of work related musculosleletal disorders in the teachers.

Signs & Symptoms:
The earlier signs of any WRMSD in teachers may include pain, stiffness, tingling numbness & rarely some weakness.

Treatment:
Following the concepts of postural & postural reeducation is the most important concept in treatment of this problems.
Position reversals is also most important. A proper concept for treatment would include maintenance of an ideal posture in sitting & standing with neutral position of the spine & the peripheral joints.
Avoid bending from the back, lifting heavy objects or twisting movements to the loaded spine. Also it is advisable to avoid overhead work for a prolonged time like writing above the shoulder level as it puts the proximal muscles in a static load & induces early fatigue.
Regular exercise is also a key for a fitter like. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling exercises (aerobics) are very important for optimal fitness. Also specific muscular strengthening exercises are very important.

What i Feel:
Ultimately its not just the financial concept. The satisfaction involved in the work adds to the immense joy associated with it.
Thus i can gladly say, proud to be a teacher.
Apurv Shimpi

Geriatric Physiotherapy

Introduction:
Elderly persons, like children, need a lot of care & attention. Along with their general physical demands, physiotherapists should consider their emotional & psychological aspects as well.

Associated Problems:
Old age comes with a multitude of problems including musculo skeletal problems, cardio vascular respiratory problems as well as neurological problems. These cannot be treated separate but are highly interrelated with each other & thus needs a holistic approach for management.

Along with these physical factors, their nutritional problems & loss of zeal also matters & should always be considered while treatment of the patients.

Unlike in western countries, where geriatric management is covered by social security or insurance, in India, most of the elderly people have to manage their own treatment by their own resources & thus becomes an expensive aspect. This also makes Geriatric Physiotherapy a less lucrative option for the young Physios & thus lacks providers. Also the lack of Specialized geriatric institutes & educational contents add to these problems.

Treatment:
Balance training & Fall Prevention are amongst the foremost criteria in Geriatric Rehabilitation. This also takes care of the associate problems of Fractures & co morbid factors like immobilization & hospitalization .