What is an MSD?
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries that involve the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage or spinal discs, commonly occurring in the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand. They are sometimes referred to as cumulative trauma disorders because they occur over time and take time to heal.
Common MSDs include sprains, strains, inflammation, tears and pinched nerves or blood vessels. Symptoms of MSDs can be discomfort, pain, fatigue, loss of function, swelling, or numbness and tingling.
What should I watch out for?
Common ergonomic risk factors that can increase the risk of developing an MSD are repetitive motion, excessive force, awkward/static posture, contact stress, cold and vibration.