ABSTRACT
Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent and expensive. Musculoskeletal disorders affect the muscles, joints, and ligaments over a period of months and years. The three major areas affected are the hand/wrist, the shoulder/neck/elbow, and the lower back. To reduce musculoskeletal disorders, the standard approach is: a written program, employee involvement and training, medical management, and program evaluation. Musculoskeletal disorders are a function of many risk factors, both occupational and nonoccupational. Musculoskeletal disorders of the back occur primarily from manual material handling, although some problems arise from body movement without a load. Back problems also can occur from lack of movement, such as from sitting. While underuse of the back tends to lead to disc problems, overuse tends to lead to muscle and ligament problems. Patients with chronic and disabling low-back pain often have significant psychosocial problems. After successful back rehabilitation, most psychosocial problems tend to dissipate.
