Your Body Almanac

Carpenter

Hammering, sawing, lifting and kneeling, with sharp tools all day.

Carpentry is repetitive, forceful hand work combined with heavy lifting and lots of kneeling. Elbows and wrists take the hammering, knees and back take the floor work, and power tools bring noise, wood dust and cuts.

01

Elbow and wrist strain

Repeated gripping, hammering and driving screws load the tendons of the forearm. Tennis elbow, pain on the outside of the elbow, is a classic overuse problem in carpenters.

SourcesTennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) (OrthoInfo, AAOS)Repetitive strain injury (NHS)
Stretch your wrists and forearmsDailyGentle wrist flexor and extensor stretches for hands that type, grip or tap all day. Train your gripWeeklySqueeze a firm ball or grip trainer to keep your hands and forearms strong. Vary your grip and postureDailySwitch hands, tasks and positions so the same muscles and tendons are not loaded for hours.
02

Back strain from lifting

Carrying sheet goods, lumber and tools, often bending low to cut or fasten, is hard on the lower back. Strains build up quietly over a career.

SourcesErgonomics (OSHA)Low back pain (OrthoInfo, AAOS)
Lift with your legsAs neededPlan the lift, keep the load close and bend at the knees, not the waist. Strength-train twice a weekWeeklyWork all your major muscle groups on at least two days a week. Do dead bugsWeeklyA lying core exercise that trains your trunk to stay steady while your arms and legs move.
04

Noise and wood dust

Saws, nailers and routers are loud enough to damage hearing over time. Fine wood dust irritates the nose, eyes and lungs and some types are linked to asthma.

SourcesOccupational noise exposure (OSHA)Respiratory protection (OSHA)
Protect your hearing from loud noiseAs neededWear earplugs or earmuffs around loud noise, turn the volume down and step away when you can. Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors. Wear eye protectionAs neededPut on safety glasses, goggles or a face shield for work, chores and hobbies that throw debris, chemicals or sparks.
05

Cuts and hand injuries

Saws, chisels and utility knives make hand injuries one of the most common carpentry accidents. Guards, sharp blades and focus matter more than speed. Skip gloves at the table saw; they can catch the blade.

SourcesHand and power tools (OSHA)

No daily practice fixes this one. Follow the steps described here.

When to see a professional

See a doctor for elbow or wrist pain that lasts more than a few weeks or wakes you at night, numbness in your fingers, back pain with leg weakness, a swollen hot knee, or a cut that is deep, gaping or won't stop bleeding.