ABSTRACT
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries and illnesses of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, vessels and supporting structures that are involved in locomotion. They are usually manifested by pain, numbness, tingling, swelling or loss of function, and are primarily located in the upper limb, back and, to a lesser extent, the lower limbs. The term “MSD” is not a diagnosis but a category of specific and non-specific diagnoses related to the above tissues that have some common features. MSD related to work occur when there is an imbalance in the work system that overwhelms the individual either suddenly (acute onset) or over weeks, months or years (gradual onset). Examples of these disorders most often found related to workplace activities and conditions are shown in Table 1. There are at least three major areas of confusion regarding MSD and work.
