Types
of Muscoluskeletal Disorders
Not
all musculoskeletal disorders are work related. In
many cases, there are factors other than work that
can contribute to the onset of a musculoskeletal disorder.
For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome and
type on a computer at work – this does not necessarily
mean that it was the typing at work which caused the
carpal tunnel. If you type at home or if you are involved
in any other type of activities which would require
repetetive motions, they could also contribute to
the problem. This is why these disorders are often
referred to as cumulative trauma disorders, because
the injury can occur over a period of time.
Also, if you have any kind of inflammatory medical
condition, such as diabetes, the inflammation associated
with the disease may cause pain in the joints. It
can be very difficult to determine the exact cause
of a musculoskeletal disorder, because there are so
many variables to consider when making a diagnosis.
For
these reasons, one should never just assume that the
musculoskeletal disorder is work related, although
it can certainly contribute to the problem if, for
example, you type incorrectly, have a poor workstation
setup, are unaware of proper body mechanics, do not
exercise regularly, are overweight or if you do not
stretch throughout the day.
Many
musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented if the
proper precautions are taken. For instance, losing
just 10 pounds will reduce the force on weight bearing
joints by 30 pounds.
Some
of the more common musculoskeletal disorders that
can be exacerbated by repetitive motions include:
Shoulder
Disorders
- Trapezius
Myalgia:
This disorder is also referred to as tension neck
syndrome. It is the most common of the occupational
neck and shoulder disorders because it affects
a large proportion of the working population.
There may be a mild decrease in range of motion,
as well as pain, stiffness, tenderness or burning
of the upper back, shoulder and neck.
- Rotator
Cuff Tendonitits: Symptoms
may include pain, weakness, tenderness and limited
range of motion. Pain may radiate down the arm
and the muscle may be mildly diminished
- Subdeltoid
Bursitis:
This disorder is also known as subacromial bursitis
and it is an inflammatory disorder of the subdeltoid
bursa. Symptoms may include dull, aching pain,
swelling, and restricted shoulder movement. Pain
may be worse at night.
- Bicipital
Tendonitis :
This disorder is inflammation of the biceps tendon
sheath. Symptoms may include aches and pain in
the anterior shoulder. There may be tenderness,
but there is typically no decrease in range of
motion.
Elbow
Disorders
Distal
and Vascular Upper Extremity Disorders
- DeQuervain's
Disease:
This disorder is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling and warmth
of the wrist. The pain is worsened by abduction
and extension of the thumb.
- Tendonitis
of the forearm and wrist:
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, warmth, redness,
or discomfort of the forearm.
- Hand-Arm
vibration syndrome (HAVS ):
This disorder is sometimes resembles Raynauds
phenomenon of occupational origin. Symptoms may
include numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, reduced
grip strength, finger blanching.
Entrapment
Disorders
- Median
Nerve Entrapment:
This disorder is also more commonly known as Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome. The median nerve becomes
entrapped and inflamed. Symptoms may include pain,
tingling, stiffness, numbness in the thumb, index,
middle and/or ring fingers, pain that shoots from
the hand and up the arm, and difficulty grasping
items. Research suggests that night
splints and injections
may be a first line of defense for these disorders.
- Ulnar
Nerve Entrapment:
This disorder is also more commonly known as Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome and is the second most
common entrapment disorder. Symptoms may include
pain in the elbow (behind the funny bone) and
pain in the fourth and fifth digits, grip weakness,
and possibly muscle atrophy.
Research
also suggests that Ergonomics
and Joint Protection may help reduce the exacerbation
of symptoms associated with these disorders.
The
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for conducting
research and making recommendations for the prevention
of work-related injury and illness.
NIOSH
is part of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the
Department of Health
and Human Services.
Click
here for more information about musculoskeletal
disorders and workplace factors.
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