The Impact of Chronic Pain on Agricultural Productivity is discussed in this article.
The agricultural industry includes planting crops, raising livestock, and harnessing natural resources for society’s use. Although many parts of the agricultural industry are automated, workers are still needed. These individuals care for the land, crops, and animals, which involves a lot of manual labor. Repetitive movements, however, create chronic conditions that workers must deal with for many years. Could you closely examine how chronic pain impacts agricultural productivity right now?
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Exploring the Importance of the Agricultural Industry
First, the agriculture industry brings crops to the dinner table. For example, fruits, vegetables, and grains must all be planted, cultivated, and harvested. Indeed, the human food chain would collapse without greens, berries, and countless other foods.
Secondly, this industry provides substances for core materials used in manufacturing. For example, cotton in your clothing and rubber integrated into your car tires comes from agricultural sources.
Next, the agricultural industry also provides biomass to biofuel manufacturers. Relying solely on fossil fuels is optional now. Truthfully, these biofuels reduce emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to a better environment.
The importance of agricultural productivity isn’t lost on the scientific community. To illustrate, companies such as Microbial Insights use high-tech tools to analyze soil, bacteria, and other microbes. This information provides tangible data, which leads to improved crop volumes and reduced pest issues.
Furthermore, this industry is also a critical component of any nation. Produced crops, sold livestock, and other transactions create a multi-million dollar industry. In addition, these commodities make trade possible between countries. As a result, trading across the globe is another way the agricultural industry supports a nation’s economy.
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Common Ailments Associated With the Agricultural Industry
Chronic pain impacts the agricultural industry on several levels. For example, daily work takes a different toll on women than men. Recent studies reveal that women tend to have centralized knee and back pain, for example. In contrast, men have more issues with their hips and back.
Naturally, women and men typically perform different jobs. For instance, women might harvest produce close to the ground, such as strawberries. They must bend down hundreds of times a day to grab the fruits. Their back and knees have taken on a lot of stress.
Alternatively, men often deal with heavy machinery within the agricultural industry. Working on tractors or standing on cherry pickers for produce harvesting is typical, for example. As a result, the back and hips take on more strain than other parts of the body.
Understandably, any pain will slow workers down. They’ll produce fewer boxes of produce or fail to harvest everything from a particular field. As a result, the farm makes less money on a given day.
Additionally, chronic pain might lead to worker absences. Musculoskeletal pain can be excruciating, which forces workers to stay home. In the end, workers who do push through the pain are at high risk for more pain and possible injury.
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Analyzing Chronic Pain Solutions
Managing pain in the agricultural industry requires several overlapping solutions. Ideally, workers should rest their backs, hips and knees whenever possible. In this industry, however, rest is often short-lived.
Alternatively, workers might wear supportive gear. For example, knee and back braces are available over the counter. By wearing them each workday, chronic pain may subside.
Ideally, workers should also learn how to properly move an item. The adage “lift with your legs” still applies today, for example. Workers should never lift a heavy item while allowing the back to take the strain. Put the effort into the legs, which can take heavier loads.
In addition, workers might stretch before and after their shifts. By stretching out the back and legs, the muscles can move into their proper positions. Incredibly, stretching also produces more muscle flexibility, which leads to higher productivity during the workday.
In Conclusion
As more scientific studies emerge regarding chronic pain, workers might see some solutions built into their daily lives. From extra breaks to health insurance coverage, these solutions might culminate in better conditions and enhanced productivity. Every community needs agriculture to sustain life. Taking care of today’s workers ensures a bountiful harvest in the future.
Author: Brittany
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
