Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Workplace

Musculoskeletal injuries or disorders in the workplace may be caused or simply made worse by heavy lifting, repetitive motion, pulling or moving objects. Over exposure increases the risk for musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 percent of all workplace injuries in 2007 were related to musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

Carpal Tunnel

• According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), carpal tunnel syndrome is the most expensive work-related injury. It is caused from repetitive motion such as using a grocery scanner. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel located at the wrist. It consists of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. When the median nerve that runs from the hand to the forearm gets compressed in the carpal tunnel, the result is weakness, pain and numbness in the hand or wrist.

Low Back Pain

• Routine lifting, such as moving inventory in a store room, can cause low back pain in the workplace. Poor posture along with excessive force causes one to suffer back pain. Repetition that causes awkward movement puts added pressure on the low back that leads to pain. Strains and low back pain are common in the workplace where the use of braces and precautionary methods are not strictly enforced.

Tenosynovitis

• Tendons are covered by a sheath called tenosynovium. If the sheath becomes inflamed, a condition called tenosynovitis occurs. Symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, swelling and limited range of motion. The most common areas for tenosynovitis are the hand, wrist and foot. Repetitive motion is generally the cause when tenosynovitis is work related.

Tension Neck

• Tension neck pain is common in the workplace when computers are used. Women suffer from tension neck pain more often than men. Computer users with poor posture, high stress levels and less physical activity experience higher instances of tension neck in the workplace.