Ergonomics - Musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most-work related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working environment. They can also result from fractures sustained in an accident. Typically, MSDs affect the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs; less often they affect the lower limbs.

Health problems range from discomfort, minor aches and pains, to more serious medical conditions requiring time off work and even medical treatment. In more chronic cases, treatment and recovery are often unsatisfactory - the result could be permanent disability and loss of employment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Signs and Symptoms

1. Numbness or a burning sensation in the hand
2. Reduced grip strength in the hand
3. Swelling or stiffness in the joints
4. Pain in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back followed by discomfort
5. Reduced range of motion in the shoulder, neck, or back
6. Dry, itchy, or sore eyes
7. Blurred or double vision
8. Aching or tingling
9. Cramping
10. Loss of color in affected regions
11. Weakness
12. Tension stress headaches and related ailments

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied"

- Herophilus