Glossary

Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that affect the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures, such as the discs in your back. They result from one or more of these tissues having to work harder than they are designed for.

The symptoms of MSDs range from mild and periodic to severe, chronic and debilitating.

Some are specific conditions with known causes, such as vibration white finger and tenosynovitis. Others are less specific and have less obvious causes, such as diffuse upper limb pain and non-specific back pain.

It is estimated that 9.3 million working days (full-day equivalent) were lost in 2008/09 through musculoskeletal disorders that were caused or made worse by work. On average, each person suffering took an estimated 17.2 days off in that 12-month period.

Back pain
The most common MSD is back pain, which can have a number of causes.

The HSE explains that ‘Back pain affects all industries, not just a few high-risk sectors.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
MSDs are said to be work-related MSDs (WRMSDs) when they are caused or made worse by the work environment. Find out more…

Upper limb disorders
MSDs which affect the arm, hand, shoulder and neck are called upper limb disorders (ULDs). When these are work related, they are termed WRULDs.
An in-depth medical glossary about upper limb disorders is available from the RSI Association, as well as factsheets about different upper limb conditions.

Signs and symptoms

Back pain
NHS Direct explains that ‘The symptom of low back pain is a pain or ache anywhere on your back, in between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. The majority of cases of back pain usually clear up quite quickly. However if you are worried or concerned about your back pain, seek medical advice.’ Find out more at NHS Direct.

Symptoms of upper limb disorders
Pain is the most common symptom. Sometimes the sufferer also has joint stiffness, muscle tightness, redness and swelling of the affected area. Some people experience 'pins and needles’, numbness, skin colour changes, and decreased sweating of the hands.

WRMSDs may progress in stages from mild to severe.

Early stage
Aching and tiredness of the affected limb occur during the work shift but disappear at night and during days off work. No reduction of work performance.

Intermediate stage
Aching and tiredness occur early in the work shift and persist at night. Reduced capacity for repetitive work.

Late stage
Aching, fatigue and weakness persist at rest. Inability to sleep and to perform light duties.

Not everyone goes through these stages in the same way. In fact, it may be difficult to say exactly when one stage ends and the next begins. The first pain is a signal that the muscles and tendons should rest and recover. As soon as people recognise that they have a symptom, they should immediately do something about it.

Find out more from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and HSE.

Risk factors
There are a number of risk factors thought to be associated with MSDs.

Other terms used
RSI – repetitive strain injury – a term usually used with reference to ULDs related to repetitive work. Often used in a non-specific way and, in clinical terms, a non-specific and confusing diagnosis. It is, however, a widely used if somewhat unhelpful term. More information…

CTD – cumulative trauma disorder – a US term referring to conditions caused by prolonged overuse on any part of the musculoskeletal system.

Rehabilitation – this term is often used in a clinical context to describe the process whereby an individual uses the services of various professionals (eg doctors, nurses, physiotherapists) to restore any functionality they have lost due to illness or injury. Anyone who has experienced an MSD, particularly if they have had surgery, may need ‘clinical’ rehabilitation. During this rehabilitation, various aspects of function such as muscle strength, joint movements and so on are restored via exercise and other training. There will also be a mental or psychological aspect to this rehabilitation, which might deal with aspects such as an individual’s pain beliefs and pain behaviours.

In addition to ‘outside of work’ rehabilitation, individuals may also need ‘vocational’ rehabilitation as they return to work. The aim of this is to restore several of their work functions via, for example, phased re-introduction to work programmes and so on. This rehabilitation will need to take account of the psychological, as well as the physical aspects of work. (See Rehabilitation)

These two types of rehabilitation, clinical and vocational, may not be separate, and both might take place at work.

Physiotherapy
What is physiotherapy treatment and how can I get it?
What is a physiotherapist and where can I find one?

Ergonomics
What is ergonomics?
Finding an ergonomist

Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is the term used for assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific methods to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life. Find out more about Occupational therapists from NHS and HSE.

Occupational health nursing
Occupational health nursing is a nursing specialism which covers health and well-being in the workplace. For more information, visit the websites of the Association of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners and the Royal College of Nursing.