Attention to ergonomics has helped decrease the incidents of work-related Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSDs); however, they still account for about 1/3 of work-related injuries and illnesses. No matter how great or small the physical demands of a job, the body can wear down from a variety of daily tasks. There seems to be a growing number of dysfunctions that can result from work-related activities. Here is a breakdown of some common MSDs.
General Overuse - Overuse during work or play can affect the body in a number of ways. General overuse of limbs in people who are poorly conditioned, use awkward postures when using the affected limb, or have poor posture are prone to bursitis and tendonitis. Very simply, these are inflammation in the bursa (fluid-filled sac beneath the tendons) or tendons (tissue connecting muscles to bones) respectively. They typically cause pain and stiffness. Ceasing the culprit activity and correcting positioning of the body during activity are common preventative measures.Eye Problems - Staring at a computer can cause problems with both vision and comfort in the eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome can affect both the quality of vision (blurred, strained, etc.) and comfort levels (headaches, eye pain, neck pain, etc.) Dry Eye Syndrome describes a decrease in the ability for the eyes to bathe through tears properly. Frequent breaks from looking at a computer and from looking at objects up close can help prevent these issues.
Wrist and Forearm Pain - These disorders are often also considered overuse injuries, though they specifically develop from repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist, including gripping, pinching, grasping, and twisting. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is arguably the most common MSD, creating weakness, pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrist and fingers. De Quervain's Disease affects the side of the wrist and forearm, causing pain and swelling in those areas.
Arm Pain Associated With the Elbow - Tenderness, pain, and numbness in the hand and fingers may also indicate stress at the elbow. Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Tennis Elbow) is caused byexcessive stress of the forearm muscles and tendons. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is numbness, tingling, and pain from compressing the ulnar nerve through direct pressure (resting elbows on a hard surface) or elbow flexion.Low Back and Leg Pain - Some of the most debilitating and excruciating MSDs are those that occur in the low back. Pain in the low back and legs may indicate sprain/strain in the lumbar spine or sciatica. Improper/frequent posture, compression, movement, and weight load on the spine can cause these serious back problems.
Signs or symptoms of a work-related MSD should be brought to the attention of the employer and examined by a trained physician. Early detection is critical not only to assist with the healing process, but also to correct any fixable problems at the work site. Ergonomic solutions are best when implemented as early as possible. Calling attention to a potential problem may prevent a number of workers from developing a work-related MSD.
Carol Olin is Vice President of Americarts USA, a manufacturer of US-made motorized platform carts used for material transporting in hospitals, hotels and industrial cart applications. Americart USA features high quality carts price to compete with imported products. Carol has been in the material transport equipment industry for over 11 years. Americart USA has several original articles on their website relating to work related injuries.
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