The work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are, currently, a world problem, concerning health, social and economics sectors. In fact, the high prevalence of WRMSDs in the spine and upper limbs have been documented by several studies as associated with to a higher number of work absences and dissatisfaction, which leads to significant social and economic costs.
These diseases have been observed both in developed and sub-developed countries and in the most diverse activity sectors. For this reason, WRMSDs have been an extensive research and discussion topic, particularly concerning the possibility of prevention for this type of situation that is profoundly debilitating.
These problems can assume different clinical scenarios, changing from symptoms and/or musculoskeletal dysfunction signals without a diagnosis confirmation to a clinical diagnostic lesion.
Anatomic structures involved |
Possible examples of WRMSDs |
Tendons |
Tendinitis, periarthritis, tenosynovitis, insertion tendinitis, synovitis in the most joints, particularly the shoulder, elbow and wrist / hand; Epicondylitis; Quervain disease; Trigger finger; |
Nerves |
Pressure of the median nerve: syndrome of the carpal channel (wrist); Pressure of the cubital nerve: syndrome of the cubital channel (elbow) and syndrome of the Guyon channel; Pressure of the radial channel (Pressure of the radial nerve of the elbow); Syndrome of the thoracic plexus (Pressure of the braquial plexus in different regions); Cervical syndrome (Pressure of nerve roots). |
Cardiovascular structures |
Syndrome of the arm/hand vibration (involved vascular and nervous changes). Syndrome of Raynauld. |
Joints (cartilage and bones) |
Osteoarthritis in the major of joints / joint degenerative disorder. |
Muscles |
Syndrome of the cervical spine tension. |
Bursae |
Bursitis in the major joints. |