At first, it’s just a dull ache, something you can ignore. A sore back from work or a stiff wrist from too much typing. No big deal, right?
But then, the pain lingers. Simple tasks become frustrating. A night of poor sleep turns into weeks of exhaustion. You stop doing the things you love because moving hurts. It starts becoming more than an injury and starts growing into the anxiety of not knowing when you’ll feel normal again. It’s the isolation of suffering in silence and the exhaustion of always hurting.
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) don’t just affect your body—they can change your entire way of life. Yet, we often overlook this hidden side of pain. It’s time we start talking about it.
The link between physical pain and mental strain
While musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are commonly understood as physical issues, the mental health challenges that accompany these injuries are just as significant. MSIs can trigger a chain reaction that impacts your mind and emotions.
These injuries are one of the leading causes of hospital admissions. They trigger pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, which can be seen and felt. MSIs are tied to chronic pain, opioid use, disability, and an alarming rise in mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD (2021).
When a worker is injured, the immediate concern is pain management and staying on the job. But behind that pain lies the frustration of not being able to perform, the stress of missing work, and the looming fear of long-term disability. These skyrocket anxiety and stress, affecting both the mind and body.
The role of stress, anxiety, and depression
In Canada, 70% of employees report working in a stressful workplace (2021). When a person experiences pain, the body responds with a natural stress reaction, which includes physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, muscle tension, and difficulty focusing. If chronic stress is not addressed, it can become debilitating and lead to depression or anxiety.
For those dealing with MSIs, the stress of not knowing how long recovery will take or whether the injury will ever fully heal can feel paralyzing. The fear of facing long-term limitations at work or being unable to provide for oneself or one’s family only adds to the mental strain. As a result, the anxiety experienced by injured workers compounds the physical pain, making it more difficult to recover.
Depression can also set in because of MSIs. A person may start to feel alone, worthless, or hopeless when they cannot carry out their daily tasks or do their work. The loss of routine, social interaction, or a sense of purpose can profoundly affect an individual.
Why a holistic approach matters
A comprehensive approach to worker well-being is important because of the undeniable link between physical and mental health.
A holistic approach means treating the whole person. This means acknowledging that physical injuries do not just affect the body but also the mind. Providing support for both physical recovery and mental health benefits the individual, improves overall productivity, reduces absenteeism, and encourages a more supportive workplace culture.
What can we do?
- Offer mental health support - Counselling services, stress management programs, or access to professionals can make a real difference in providing workers with the emotional support they need. A big part is creating an environment where people feel comfortable having open, honest conversations.
- Ergonomic solutions and injury prevention - While treating injuries is vital, preventing them is even better. Employers can introduce ergonomic solutions, such as tools designed to minimize strain and improve comfort in the workplace.
- Provide regular check-ins and feedback - Supervisors and managers should regularly check in with employees, especially those recovering from MSIs. These moments help ensure employees get the support they need and give them a chance to talk about any physical or emotional concerns.
Being able to understand the connection between MSIs and mental health challenges is crucial to genuinely supporting workers. A holistic approach that considers physical and mental health is needed to create a workplace where employees feel genuinely cared for.
Browse our site for more valuable resources, such as an MSI prevention guide for employers and joint committees, or explore our MSI course to learn more at your own pace.
