According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, musculoskeletal disorders pose significant costs for employers, including absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased healthcare expenses. These disorders, often more severe than typical nonfatal injuries, result from factors such as repetitive motion, overexertion, and awkward lifting techniques.
Unlike immediate injuries, musculoskeletal issues can develop gradually through poor movement habits, repetitive actions, or insufficient physical activity. These injuries may not be apparent until they impact work, sleep, or daily activities like climbing stairs.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Joint conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis
- Bone conditions: osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures
- Spinal disorders: neck pain, low back pain, prolapsed disc and sciatica
- Regional and widespread pain disorders: frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal injuries: strains and sprains often related to occupation or sports; high-energy limb and spinal fractures such as road injuries
- Genetic, congenital and developmental childhood disorders: club foot and scoliosis
- Multisystem inflammatory diseases which commonly have musculoskeletal manifestations such as connective tissue diseases and vasculitis: systemic lupus erythematosus
Addressing Musculoskeletal (MSK) health at work: 7 key issues to consider
#1 MSK health gives people mobility and dexterity
#2 MSK issues often are unrelated to job or work-related injuries
#3 MSK problems cause pain, stiffness, limitation of movement/ mobility
#4 Unsafe work or inadequate training can lead to MSK problems
#5 Work that is physically demanding or stressful affects health
#6 MSK and mental health issues cause the most job loss and are typically linked
#7 Depression and stress may cause chronic pain and MSK issues
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