Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 08, 2024 2 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour, 55 minutes ago
Health News: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant concern for many workers across various sectors. This
Health News report will break down the findings from a comprehensive study on how different work activities impact our muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and more. The study was conducted by researchers from several Italian institutions, including the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL).
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders are conditions that affect the body's muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues. These conditions can be caused by or worsened by the work environment and the type of work performed. The study aimed to provide an overview of how different work-related activities impact the musculoskeletal system.
Key Findings from the Study
The researchers conducted a global search of publications using databases like PubMed and Web of Science, identifying over 10,000 articles. They narrowed this down to 32 studies that provided significant insights into the prevalence of MSDs across different occupational sectors. These sectors include healthcare, farming, industrial, and computer work.
Healthcare Sector
High Risk for Healthcare Workers
The study found that healthcare workers, including physicians and dentists, have a high prevalence of MSDs. For instance, 21% of physicians and dentists suffer from degenerative lumbar spine diseases, while 37% of dentists experience osteoarthritis in their hands. These conditions are often due to the repetitive and prolonged nature of their tasks, such as performing surgeries or dental procedures.
Impact on Quality of Life
Musculoskeletal disorders significantly impair the quality of life of healthcare workers. The conditions are associated with pain and limitations in mobility, affecting their ability to work and participate in social activities. Additionally, the high prevalence of these disorders leads to increased costs for employers due to absenteeism, lost productivity, and higher healthcare costs.
Farming Sector
Physical Labor and Its Toll
Farming requires enormous physical labor, and the study revealed that between 60% to 92% of farmers have at least one MSD. Common conditions include osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, which can result from maintaining uncomfortable postures for prolonged periods, lifting heavy loads, and working long hours.
Specific Risks for Dairy Farm Workers
The study highlighted the particular risks faced by dairy farm workers. Traditional barn milking, which involves stooping and squatting, places significant stress on the knees, leading to a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis. In contrast, modern milking par
lors, which require less bending, reduce this risk.
Industrial Sector
Vibration and Repetitive Strain
Workers in the industrial sector, such as foundry workers and miners, are at high risk for MSDs due to the nature of their work. Vibration from tools and repetitive strain from heavy lifting are significant contributors to conditions like osteoarthritis and spinal disorders. For instance, foundry workers using vibrating tools showed higher rates of osteoarthritis in their wrists and elbows.
Prevalence of Disorders
The study found that musculoskeletal disorders in the industrial sector are prevalent and costly. They lead to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs, similar to the healthcare sector.
Computer Workers
Technology's Impact on Health
In the age of technology, computer use has become ubiquitous, leading to a rise in MSDs among computer workers. Conditions such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and work-related upper extremity disorder (WRUED) are common. These disorders are often caused by the prolonged use of computers, leading to muscle tension and reduced mobility.
Preventive Measures
The study suggests implementing preventive measures, such as ergonomic solutions, to reduce the risk of MSDs among computer workers. For example, using short keyboard commands instead of a mouse can reduce physical strain.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review highlights the significant impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders across various occupational sectors. By understanding the specific risks and implementing preventive measures, we can improve the quality of life for workers and reduce the economic burden on employers and healthcare systems.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/13/3964
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