WMSD Disorders
WMSDs represent a wide range of disorders that, depending on the nature of the work environment, can differ in severity from mild periodic symptoms to severe chronic and debilitating conditions.
Below is a list of the most common disorders associated with WMSDs.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A nerve disorder caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
- Epicondylitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach to the elbow, which can cause pain and limited mobility.
- Trigger finger: A condition where the finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position, causing pain and difficulty moving.
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, which can cause pain and limited mobility.
- Rotator cuff injury: Damage to the muscles and tendons in the shoulder, which can cause pain and limited mobility.
- Low Back pain: Pain and discomfort in the back, which can be caused by a variety of factors including poor posture, repetitive motion, and heavy lifting.
- Neck pain: Pain and discomfort in the neck, which can be caused by a variety of factors including poor posture, repetitive motion, and prolonged sitting.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), musculoskeletal disorders involving the back accounted for about 40 percent of all WMSDs.
Medical costs and workers' compensation claims for serious MSDs may total $15,000 to $85,000 or more. It makes sense to give serious consideration to the risk factors in your workplace and the information in this course will help you do that.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can differ in severity depending on _____.
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