MSD (MusculoSkeletal Disorder)

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and disorders of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) and nervous system. These painful and often disabling injuries generally develop gradually over weeks, months, and years. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders occur when the physical capabilities of the worker do not match the physical requirements of the job. Prolonged exposure to ergonomic risk factors can cause damage a worker’s body and lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Parts of body affect by musculoskeletal disorders are arms, hand, finger, neck, back, wrists, legs and shoulders. Carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain are also included in musculoskeletal injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritations of the median nerve will causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers, a condition known as "carpal tunnel syndrome.”

The low back, or lumbar area (L5 S1), serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues. Low back pain is a quite common musculoskeletal injury and it affects the spine's flexibility, stability, and strength, which can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness. It can be either acute or chronic back pain which caused by task that requires strain from lifting, twisting, or bending.

MSDs affect workers in almost every occupation and industry in the nation and in workplaces of all sizes. The disorders occur most frequently in jobs that involve:

• Manual handling,
• Manufacturing and production,
• Heavy lifting,
• Twisting movements, and Long hours of working in awkward positions.

Causes of work-related MSDs

Work-related MSDs occur when the physical capabilities of the worker do not match the physical requirements of the job. Prolonged exposure to the ergonomics risk factors can cause damage a worker’s body and lead to MSDs.

Conditions that are likely to cause MSDs problem including:

• Exerting excessive force. 
• Excessive repetition of movements that can irritate tendon and increase pressure on nerve. 
• Awkward postures or unsupported positions that stretch physical limits can compress nerves and irritate tendons. 
• Static posture for a long period of time can restrict blood flow and damage muscles. 
• Motions such as increase speed or acceleration when bending and twisting can increase the amount force exerted on the body. 
• Compression from grasping sharp edges like tools handle can concentrate force on small area of body; reduce blood flow and nerve transmission and damage tendon and tendon sheaths. 
• Inadequate recovery time due to overtime, lack of break and failure to vary tasks can leave insufficient time for tissue repair. 
• Excessive vibration usually from vibrating tools can decrease blood flow, damage nerves and contribute to muscle fatigue. 
• Whole-body vibration from driving trucks or operating subways can affect skeletal muscle and cause low back pain.

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