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Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
From CopperWiki
Contents |
[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
- Repetitive tasks spread over long hours such as computer programming or coding might have an adverse impact on your health.
- You can avoid computer-related injury, or detect and cure it at an early stage
- MSDs may cause a great deal of pain and suffering among afflicted workers.
- Computer use is the principal cause of MSD.
- MSDs are among the most common lost-time injuries. A study conducted over a seven-year period, showed that MSDs were responsible for 32% of the total annual lost-time injuries in an Ontario construction.
- Job activities that may cause MSDs span diverse workplaces and operations.
- MSDs may decrease productivity and the quality of products and services.
- Workers experiencing aches and pains on the job may not be able to do quality work.
- Other expressions used to describe MSDs include Cumulative Trauma Disorders and Overuse Injuries.
[edit] All about MSD
MSD is not just one medical condition or disorder. Rather it is a name for a group of conditions. The severity of these conditions can vary. The most well known MSD is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Other MSD are: De Quervains' disease; Epicondylitis; Synovitis; Muscle strains; Raynaud's phenomenon; Sciatica; Tendonitis; Tennis Elbow; Trigger finger; Trigger points and, Lower back pain.
[edit] Developing MSD
MSD is not the result of a single event. It develops gradually over a period of time while performing daily tasks. While doing any work, some part of the body gets stressed resulting in small tears and strains in the tissue all the time. These heal fairly quickly on their own. Repeated stress on the same points, do not give the body the time and space to heal and repair. Because MSD develops gradually, you can literally be fine one day and in pain the following day. In other words, MSD can sneak up on you
[edit] Symptoms
The following warning signs signal that MSD may be present.
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Cramping
- Reduced grip strength in hand
- Reduced range of motion
- Change in color of effected area (blanching)
- Tightness or loss of flexibility
[edit] Risk factors
Some of the factors mentioned below increase the risk of MSD. The risk increases if these factors are accentuated or occur in combination.
- Forceful exertion
- Repetitive movements
- Awkward postures
[edit] Controlling MSD
- Engineering Controls -- These are changes made in the immediate environment to reduce and modify the environmental extremes connected to a particular job. These can be in the form of Workstation layout; Selection and use of tools; Work materials and work methods.
- Administrative Controls - Administrative controls includes changes in job rules and procedures such as scheduling more rest breaks; rotating workers through jobs and training workers.
[edit] What can I do?
To prevent MSD from happening to you
- Have your workstation set up so that you are working in neutral positions.
- Have your workstation setup checked by an in-house ergonomist
- Get up, stretch, and walk around periodically at least once an hour.
- Intersperse non-keyboarding tasks with keyboarding.
- Do upper-body strength training two or three times a week
- Move your mouse to the left-side of your keyboard even if you are right-handed.
- Learn how to use the keyboard instead of the mouse part of the time.
- Consider obtaining a mouse alternative.
- Consider purchasing single-prescription computer glasses
- Keep your blood flowing by:
- Avoiding tight/restrictive clothing.
- Rotating ankles and contract leg muscles, while sitting.
- Limiting caffeine drinks.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Avoiding sitting cross-legged.
[edit] CopperBytes
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.0 million people a year.
