Introduction to musculoskeletal disorders

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cover a broad range of health problems. These health problems range from discomfort, minor aches and pains to more serious medical conditions that can lead to permanent disability. Every year millions of European workers are affected by MSDs. The most well-known MSDs are low back pain and work-related upper limb disorders. The first is mainly associated with manual handling while the main risk factors for the latter are associated with task repetition and awkward work postures. Lower limb MSDs are also recognised as conditions that may be work-related. The…