Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

These disorders can affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most-work related MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working environment. Musculoskeletal Disorders can also result from fractures sustained in an accident. Typically, MSDs affect the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs; less often they affect the lower limbs. Health problems range from discomfort, minor aches and pains, to more serious medical conditions requiring time off work and even medical treatment. In more chronic cases, treatment and recovery from Musculoskeletal Disorders are often unsatisfactory - the result could be permanent disability and loss of employment.