WORK INJURIES
COMMON WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders include a group of conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures such as intervertebral discs. They represent a wide range of disorders. Severity can differ from mild periodic symptoms to severe chronic and debilitating conditions. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tension neck syndrome, and low back pain.
What Are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD)?
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders are musculoskeletal disorders caused or made worse by the work environment. WMSDs can cause severe and debilitating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. They also reduce worker productivity and cause lost time from work. Other results include temporary or permanent disability and an inability to perform job tasks. Worker’s compensation costs increase as well. Musculoskeletal disorders are often confused with ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. In other words, musculoskeletal disorders are the problem and ergonomics is a solution.
What Are the Risk Factors for WMSDs?
Repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands contribute to WMSDs. So does frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects. Prolonged awkward postures and vibration also play a part. Jobs or working conditions that combine risk factors will increase the risk for musculoskeletal problems. The level of risk depends on how long a worker is exposed to these conditions. It also depends on how often they are exposed and the level of exposure.
How Common Are MSDs?
Musculoskeletal disorders of any cause are among the most prevalent medical problems. They affect 7% of the population. They also account for 14% of physician visits and 19% of hospital stays. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has looked specifically at work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It reports that in 1995, 62% (308,000) of all illness cases were due to disorders associated with repeated trauma. This figure does not include back injuries. BLS also reports that the number of cases of repeated trauma has increased significantly. It rose from 23,800 cases in 1972 to 332,000 cases in 1994-a fourteenfold increase. In 1995 the number of cases decreased by 7% to 308,000 reported cases. That number still exceeds the number of cases in any year prior to 1994. More detailed information is available for cases involving days away from work. BLS reports that in 1994, approximately 32% or 705,800 cases were the results of overexertion or repetitive motion. This figure includes back injuries.
INJURY PREVENTION AND ERGONOMICS
Injury prevention and ergonomic programs are designed to reduce the number of injuries occurring in the workplace.
The best way to treat an injury is to never get it in the first place. A proactive approach involving strategic planning to minimize injury should be taken by all employers and employees. This matters especially where the risk of injury is high. This would include workers who sit for extended periods of time and perform repetitive movements. It also includes workers who lift or move heavy objects.
Non-Surgical Option: DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy
Work injuries frequently involve herniated or bulging discs. DRX9000 spinal decompression therapy offers a non-surgical treatment option as part of your recovery plan. Call 1 (855) 487-4633 to schedule an evaluation with Steven Cantor DC.
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Common Questions About Work Injuries
What should I do first after being hurt at work?
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and ask how to get authorized medical care, then get examined even if the pain seems minor. Prompt reporting and a documented evaluation protect both your recovery and your claim.
How does workers compensation decide which provider I see?
In Florida, the employer or its insurance carrier generally authorizes the treating provider for a workers compensation claim. Ask your employer or the carrier who you are authorized to see, and we can coordinate care from there.
What if my symptoms did not start until days later?
Delayed symptoms are common with soft-tissue and disc injuries, because swelling and inflammation build over the following days. Tell your employer as soon as symptoms appear and describe when and how the injury happened.
What kinds of work injuries do you treat?
The most common are lifting and twisting injuries to the low back, repetitive-strain and posture-related neck and shoulder problems, slip and fall injuries, and disc injuries that produce pain travelling into a leg or an arm.
I was hurt in a vehicle while working. Is that a work injury or an auto claim?
It can involve both systems at once, which is why the details matter. Get evaluated promptly either way, and see our auto injuries page for the Florida 14-day rule that applies to accident-related care.