If you work long hours on your feet or at a desk, you are familiar with the aches, pains, and tensions associated with your job. People who work in the same position or use repetitive motions every day, eight hours a day, and five days a week can develop real problems. These issues are usually related to the muscles and the skeleton and are called musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the type of musculoskeletal disorder that you may be suffering from can help you find a solution that improves both your health and your productivity.
What are Some Common Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Typing on a keyboard, moving a mouse constantly, or performing other repetitive tasks with the fingers and hands can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Tension neck syndrome is another common problem with people who work at desks or at computers. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons in some part of the body, caused by stress or strain from many different kinds of jobs. People who work on their feet all day sometimes development problems with proper alignment of the spine, hips, legs, feet, and ankles.
What Other Terms are Used for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Since work-related musculoskeletal disorders are hard to define, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed some terms to help workers classify their conditions. Repetitive motion injuries and repetitive strain injuries are two terms that are closely related and have similar causes. Cumulative trauma disorders may result from the same minor injury occurring to the same part of the body over a long period of time. Other problems include cervico-brachial disorders, overuse syndrome, regional musculoskeletal disorders, and soft tissue disorders. You can find many ways to improve your musculoskeletal health. Rearranging your workstation or obtaining a more ergonomic chair can help your posture and make you feel more comfortable while you are working. Purchasing an ergonomic keyboard and mouse will be beneficial for you if you type a lot during the average workday. If you work in a fast-paced environment where you stand for most of the day, wear comfortable shoes and take breaks as your supervisor and your schedule allows.
What Causes a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder?
During a long day’s work, employees frequently find themselves bending over, straightening back up, holding tools or other objects, twisting knobs or tools, reaching for items, or gripping objects tightly. If these actions are performed over and over without adequate rest or a change of position, they can contribute to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. If a worker remains in the same fixed or tense position, muscles become cramped and toxins build up, causing soreness and stiffness.
What are Some Additional Causes for a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder?
People who work for long hours without a sufficient break become tired both mentally and physically. Others who must work fast, like employees on an assembly line, may not realize the physical toll that their work pace is taking on their muscles and skeletal system.
If you suspect that you have a musculoskeletal disorder or that you may be developing one, contact your doctor right away. Once you have an official diagnosis, you can approach your supervisor or boss with the information. Discuss some ways to minimize the physical toll on your body while still maintaining your responsibilities. Point out to your boss that an occasional break or task change may actually increase your productivity in the workplace.
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