During National Safety Month, a different safety topic will be highlighted each week of June. This week, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are featured.
According to the Bone and Joint Initiative USA, nearly one in two Americans over the age of 18—or 124 million people—have an MSD.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related MSDs are among the most common disability claims.
Click to watch a video about MSD’s
MSDs refer to a variety of conditions that affect your joints, bones and muscles. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 150 conditions that are considered MSDs, the most common being osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, fractures and systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
Some MSDs, like sprains, strains and fractures are short-term conditions. Others, like arthritis, widespread pain disorders and inflammatory diseases are long-term or lifelong conditions.
The prevalence of MSDs varies depending on the condition. For example, some conditions like sprains, strains and fractures, are extremely common. Other conditions are much rarer.
Each MSD will present itself differently. In some cases, symptoms are mild and manageable. In other cases, symptoms interfere with daily tasks, such as walking or writing.
Common symptoms of MSDs can include:
- Recurring pain
- Stiff or weak joints
- Noises in joints
- Swelling
- Dull aches
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle weakness or atrophy
- Redness
These symptoms can occur in any part of your musculoskeletal system, including your neck, back, hips, legs and arms.
The risks for developing certain MSDs are affected by the following:
- Age—As you get older, your risk for MSDs increases.
- Occupation—Depending on your job, your risk may increase. For example, engaging in repetitive motions or sitting in the same position all day will increase your risk for developing an MSD.
- Activity level and lifestyle—Repetitive movements and overexertion can increase your risk for developing an MSD.
- Family history—Certain MSDs can run in the family.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about your risk for certain MSDs.
Treatment for an MSD will vary based on the condition itself, but may involve physical therapy, rest, medication or surgery.
To learn more about how you can prevent injuries in the workplace, contact INSURICA today.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Workers’ Compensation Rates Drop, Yet Premiums Remain Unchanged
In Workers' Compensation, the reality is that the E-Mod score determines the majority of the annual premium, rather than the non-disputable rates assigned by the NCCI for each class code. Which is to the benefit of savvy companies that understand how the EMOD score works and know how to control it.
Spring Storm Safety Tips for Businesses
Spring can bring about some of the year’s most dangerous weather and wreak havoc on many aspects of a company’s operations. This article discusses the weather threats to watch out for during spring and measures businesses can take to minimize damage.
Green Practices in Healthcare Facilities
Sustainability has become increasingly important for healthcare facilities. Faced with regulatory requirements, cost-saving opportunities and growing public expectations for environmental responsibility, healthcare facilities are pursuing green initiatives that align with operational efficiency and risk management goals.