Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common occupational health problems and can significantly impact the employees’ productivity and quality of life.
Some of the most common MSK disorders are:
- Lower Back Pain (LBP)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Tendinitis (such as tennis elbow)
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Neck Pain
- Sciatica and many others
Risk factors for work-related pain
Pain in the workplace can arise from various risk factors such as physical risk factors, related to (lack of) movement, ergonomic and psychological factors. Work conditions such as high job demands or poor environmental conditions can also contribute directly or indirectly to the development of discomfort.
Physical and Ergonomic Factors
Repetitive Movements: Repeating the same movements over prolonged periods can strain muscles and tendons, leading to pain and repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
Manual Labour: Similarly, tasks that require heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, especially when combined with poor technique or suboptimal work conditions.
Awkward Postures: Working in positions that strain the body, such as bending, twisting, or reaching overhead, can contribute to pain.
Static Positions: Prolonged sitting or standing without adequate movement or breaks can lead to discomfort and pain. Even the best equipment in the world won’t replace our body’s need to move.
Poor Workspace Ergonomics: An inadequate workstation set up or equipment that is not ergonomic -including chairs, desks, keyboards or monitors, doesn’t offer sufficient support to upper and lower spine. In addition, it can affect the individual’s ability to maintain a good posture.
Psychosocial Factors such as stress due to workload can increase the perception of pain and contribute to the development of muscle tightness. People that suffer from anxiety or depression can struggle more to overcome musculoskeletal pain and increase the risk of developing chronic pain.
Organisational Factors
Time pressure due to high workload or tight deadlines can increase physical and mental strain, as well as they might not allow sufficient time for rest or movement-breaks.
In order to manage these factors that increase the risk of developing painful conditions, employers can arrange trainings, seminars and ergonomic assessments for their workforce. Occupational health physiotherapy can provide management solutions for the organisation and for the individual.
This blog was written by Nikos Bikinis
References:
- Armstrong, T. J., & Buckle, P. (1997). Ergonomics and cumulative trauma disorders of the upper limb. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 7(1), 3-17. DOI:10.1007/BF02763952
- Bernard, B. P. (Ed.). (1997). Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-141.
- Karsh, B., Moro, F. B., & Smith, M. J. (2001). The efficacy of workplace ergonomic interventions to control musculoskeletal disorders: A critical review of the literature. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 2(1), 3-96. DOI:10.1080/14639220110038936
- Melchior, M., Caspi, A., Milne, B. J., Danese, A., Poulton, R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2007). Work stress precipitates depression and anxiety in young, working women and men. Psychological Medicine, 37(8), 1119-1129. DOI:10.1017/S0033291707000414
- Ganster, D. C., & Rosen, C. C. (2013). Work stress and employee health: A multidisciplinary review. Journal of Management, 39(5), 1085-1122. DOI:10.1177/0149206313475815
