Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are characterized by injury or dysfunction of the muscles, joints, and bones that make up your skeleton. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are identical, but they’re put in their own class due to an important distinction in the inciting incident. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two primary criteria for being diagnosed with a WMSD:
- The work environment and performance of work contributed significantly to the condition.
- The condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions.
With these parameters in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). When the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist is compressed, it can cause pain, weakness, and even loss of feeling. Because of its location, CTS affects the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. Excessive force and repetitive bending motion may contribute to the onset of CTS.
- Trigger Finger. Trigger finger is characterized by a locking or popping when bending your fingers. It’s typically accompanied by a painful sensation. This condition often arises as a result of repetitive use or forceful movement.
- Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons that connect your muscles to your bones. This could be due to strain and overexertion.
- Rotator Cuff Injury. Your rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint, giving it a wide range of motion while also keeping it firmly in its socket. Injury or overextension can result in a dull, aching pain that worsens if you use or disturb those muscles.
- Back Pain. Back pain is one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders, especially for those that perform any sort of manual labor. This discomfort may come as a result of muscular strain, or it may also be vertebral subluxation.
So how can you bounce back from a workplace MSD? Fortunately, most disorders are not permanent, and chiropractic care offers a safe and effective method of treatment. Chiropractors are well-versed in the intricacies of the musculoskeletal systems. A licensed physician is capable of treating all kinds of injuries, from spinal subluxation to carpal tunnel. If you’re suffering from one or more of the conditions listed above, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us here at Wirth Chiropractic. Don’t let your workplace injury keep you from living a healthy and productive life. Contact us today!
