Arthrithis, Back Pain, Body pains, Body Servicing, Body Servicing Therapy, Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy, Stroke
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Musculoskeletal disorders are impairments of the body structures. These include the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves that are impaired primarily because of work and immediate work environment.
Work activities which are frequent and repetitive, or activities with awkward postures resulting in overuse and strain to nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons, joints, and spinal discs which may be painful during work or at rest.
These disorders mainly affect firstly the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs, but can certainly affect the lower limbs.
Some work-related musculoskeletal disorders include the following :
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Knee pain
- Rotator-cuff injuries
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT STAGES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDS)
There are different stages of MSDs though not everyone goes through these stages the same way. In fact, it may be difficult to say exactly when one stage ends and the next begins.
- Early stage: Aching and tiredness of the affected part of the body that occur during the work shift but disappear at night and during days off work.
- Intermediate stage: Aching and tiredness occur early in the work shift and persist at night.
- Late stage: Aching, fatigue, and weakness persist at rest. Inability to sleep and to perform activities of daily living.
RISK FACTORS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (WMSDS)
- Firstly, improper/awkward work postures and movements.
- Secondly, repetitiveness and duration of work.
- Thirdly, monotonous tasks
- Force of movements
- Vibration
- Temperature
- Increase pressure (e.g., to produce more)
- Non occupational factors – fitness level, mental stress, smoker.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT
- Financial burden
- Loss of productivity
- Absenteeism from work
- Depression and
- Disability
PREVENTION/INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
- Maintaining proper workplace ergonomics: Designing work stations so they can be adjusted to fit each person/individual to enhance a better working posture and prevent awkward postures and movement.
- Implementing mandatory micro rest breaks throughout work
- Postural checks throughout the day: In sitting and standing and lifting
- Training: Periodical trainings to educate workers emphasizing the importance on the; need to fit workstations and tasks to their individual needs, take micro rest at intervals to relax the muscles.
- Exercise: Exercising regularly to increase strength, flexibility, endurance and general fitness level.
- Behaviour and lifestyle: This involves eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking. etc.
- Use of protective equipment: Braces can be used to provide additional support to a particular part of the body performing tasks especially those that involve repetition e.g. wrist brace and a lumbar support.
Most importantly, WRMSDs is a cause of concern not just due to pain and disability alone but also due to the economic impact on the employer and the individual. certainly, there is still hope through physiotherapy management which can make a difference and improve the quality of life in people suffering from these disorders.
If you are suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorders, kindly contact the trained and compassionate physiotherapists at Effective Physiotherapy and Fitness Clinic to help you address your disorder and to get you back in form.
If you have any musculoskeletal disorder or notice their symptoms kindly can call or visit us:
Phone No: +234 811 885 6060 || +234 909 860 4470
Effective Physiotherapy Clinic
Address: No. 2 Ajumgobia Close, Kado Estate, Abuja
Call: +23480 3436 5055 | +234 909 860 4470
