Most jobs will give workers a headache once in a while. But a hair-raising job highlighted in a new series of articles on workplace pain gives discomfort in the scalp, neck, and shoulders—and the danger of falling 35 feet to the ground!
In the pain.com original Web series “Pain in Unique Work Places,” Documenting Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Tips, and Prevention Techniques from Unusual Professions,” readers get a glimpse into the pain suffered in unique areas of employment.
The first entry, according to the press release, describes a job you won’t find in our BLR® Job Descriptions Encyclopedia—“hairialist.”
The article, done in conjunction with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus,® a definitely unique workplace, deals with The Medeiros Troupe and its Hair Hang Act. The “hairialists” of the Medeiros Troupe perform choreography and acrobatics while suspended 35 feet above the air by silk rolls—and each other’s hair.
Surprisingly, the pain of this job is not just in the hair; the performers may experience pain in their scalp and neck, shoulders, down through their back, and even the skin in these areas. The pain is also exacerbated by a combination of factors such as the weather.
Pain.com says the performers manage their pain with regular exercise, a healthy diet, ice application, and deep-tissue massages.
Subsequent articles in the series beginning in March will address more daring, captivating—and pain-producing—acts from the circus.
Can hair itself actually experience pain?