Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)

Common work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Risk factors

Physical

• force: heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, forceful gripping
• repetition: the same motions many times an hour
• awkward postures: bending, twisting, reaching overhead, bent wrists
• static postures: sitting or standing in one position for long periods
• contact stress: pressing hard edges against the palm, wrist or forearm
• vibration: power tools, heavy equipment, driving
• cold environments

Organizational and psychosocial

• high workload and fast pace
• lack of breaks or job rotation
• low control over tasks
• job stress and poor support

Personal

• previous injury
• low fitness or deconditioning
• age, diabetes, thyroid disease and pregnancy (for nerve compression)
• smoking

Symptoms

• aching, burning or sharp pain
• stiffness and reduced movement
• swelling
• numbness and tingling
• weakness, clumsiness or dropping things
• fatigue in the affected area
• symptoms that worsen during work and improve on days off, at first

Early symptoms often come and go. Ignoring them can lead to persistent pain.

Diagnosis

A doctor or occupational health clinician will ask about job tasks, hours, tools, posture and symptom pattern, then examine the area. Tests depend on the problem: nerve conduction studies for carpal tunnel syndrome, ultrasound or MRI for tendon tears, and X-rays for joint problems. Many WMSDs are diagnosed clinically.

Treatment

• stay active: modified work duties are usually better than complete rest
• activity modification: reduce or change the aggravating task
• ice or heat and pain relief with acetaminophen (paracetamol) or NSAIDs, following the label dose
• physical or occupational therapy: stretching, strengthening, posture and technique training
• splints for wrist conditions, especially at night
• steroid injections for some tendon conditions
• surgery for selected problems such as severe carpal tunnel syndrome or rotator cuff tears
• graded return to work plans

Report symptoms to your employer early; many workplaces have occupational health services and workers' compensation processes.

Prevention: ergonomics

Lifting and manual handling

• plan the lift, keep the load close, bend knees and hips, avoid twisting
• use lifting aids, carts and team lifts for heavy or awkward loads
• store heavy items between knee and shoulder height
• in health care, use patient-handling equipment

Computer and office work

• top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away
• elbows at about 90 degrees, wrists straight, keyboard and mouse close
• feet flat on the floor or a footrest, lower back supported
• micro-breaks every 30 to 60 minutes; alternate sitting and standing

Tools and tasks

• tools with padded, well-sized handles; low-vibration tools
• rotate tasks to vary muscle use
• adjustable work heights

General health

• regular exercise, especially core and shoulder strength
• healthy weight
• adequate sleep and stress management

Frequently asked questions

What are work-related musculoskeletal disorders?

They are injuries and pain of muscles, tendons, nerves, joints and discs caused or worsened by work activities. Common examples include low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and tennis elbow.

What causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders?

Main causes are heavy lifting, repetitive motions, awkward or static postures, forceful gripping, vibration and not enough rest breaks. Job stress and high workload also raise the risk.

How can I prevent musculoskeletal injuries at work?

Use proper lifting techniques and lifting aids, set up your workstation ergonomically, take regular breaks, vary tasks, use well-designed tools and stay physically fit. Report early symptoms so changes can be made before problems become chronic.

What is the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder?

Low back pain is the most common, especially in jobs involving lifting, bending and patient handling. Neck, shoulder and wrist disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome are common in repetitive and computer-based work.

Should I stop working if I have a work-related injury?

Not necessarily. For most musculoskeletal problems, staying active with modified duties leads to faster recovery than complete rest. Discuss adjustments with your doctor and employer, and stop the task if pain is severe or worsening.