Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the single largest category of workplace injuries in the United States and account for nearly 30% of all workers’ compensation costs. Other common names for MSDs are “repetitive motion injury”, “repetitive stress injury” and “overuse injury.”
What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?
MDS injuries and disorders strike various areas of the body and can include muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels and more.
MSDs of the neck can be caused by repetitive or sustained awkward neck postures, lifting, or forceful exertion, leading to MDS’s such as cervical disc damage or tension neck syndrome.
Strenuous labor, pushing, pulling, and the use of certain power tools can lead to MSDs of the shoulder including difficult-to-treat rotator cuff injuries.
Wrist, forearm and elbow injuries and disorders can develop from repetitive motion on jobs from the office to the factory. Carpal tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and epicondylitis can affect the arms and hands making it difficult to perform certain duties.
Heavy lifting, repetitive lifting, forceful exertion, reaching, stooping, and long periods of standing can lead to lower back pain and MSDs of the lower back, which can be very debilitating.
Unfortunately, musculoskeletal disorders can be painful and sometimes lead to an inability to work on certain tasks or altogether. If you or a family member has been injured at work, including musculoskeletal injuries or disorders, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Contact the workers’ comp law offices of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC to get the benefits you need when you are injured on the job. Call today 563-355-6478.