MSDs are disorders affecting the joints, muscles and tendons, caused by work or posture.
MSDs affect many employees and workers. Musculoskeletal disorders particularly affect employees with awkward work postures, people with static gestures and postures in everyday life, or those who perform frequent physical tasks.
What exactly are musculoskeletal disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders are aches and pains in the body that can be hazardous to health. They most often occur at work, and can be quite difficult to deal with. You'll need to take steps to improve the situation, but to do so, you'll need to know exactly what musculoskeletal disorders are.
MSDs, or Musculoskeletal Disorders, are physical pains caused by stress, fatigue or lack of sleep. They are becoming increasingly common in our companies. MSDs are a real scourge affecting many people, and calling for greater safety and preventive measures. This is hardly surprising, given that today's world is extremely stressful and we're constantly on the run.
RSI is a physically-induced injury caused by excessive manual work. In other words, you're hurting yourself and taking risks at work. These disorders manifest themselves as chronic, repetitive pain that can cause more serious health risks than you might imagine.
What are the different types of MSD?
Stress at work is much more widespread than you might think. Many people feel unhappy in their jobs and become depressed and anxious as a result. These symptoms vary from person to person. The different types of MSD are as follows:
- Depression-related MSD: this type of MSD occurs when work is a stressful, anxiety-provoking environment. This can lead to psychological concerns, such as depression.
- Anxiety-related MSD: this type of MSD occurs when work is an anxiety-provoking and stressful environment. This can lead to psychological concerns, such as anxiety.
- MSDs linked to lack of sleep: chronic fatigue, lack of sleep or physical tasks can contribute to the onset of MSDs.
- RSI linked to back problems: this type of RSI occurs when work is hard on the back and shoulders. This can lead to back pain and problems such as sciatica or ankylosing spondylitis.
- MSD related to neck and hand problems: this type of MSD occurs when the work is hard on the neck and hands. It can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, neck, arms and hands.
- Muscular tension-related MSD: this type of MSD occurs when work is a place that demands a lot of physical and mental effort. This can cause muscle tension and pain.
How to avoid RSI in the office?
A worker's objective is to work in a healthy and safe work environment to avoid and limit the onset of MSDs. Here are a few measures to consider:
- Take regular breaks: this helps you avoid RSI. You can take breaks to go for a walk, breathe fresh air or do some physical activity.
- Modify your habits and practices: try to reduce your physical, mental or circulatory activities at work. This can help you avoid RSI.
- Reduce your working hours: if you work too long, you risk becoming tired and stressed. This can increase the risk of back, arm and hand pain.
- Ask questions: if you have questions about your work, ask your employer. Your employer can help you avoid MSDs.
MSDs in the office are a reality. Learn how to avoid them by following the suggestions above.
How to avoid MSDs in everyday life?
In everyday life, there are many things you can do to protect your health and avoid RSI. Here are a few beneficial gestures and actions:
- Don't forget your muscles: they're always there working. Stretch at least once a day and practice yoga.
- You need to control your temperature: you need to keep a good balance between hot and cold.
- You need to learn to rest: if you don't, you're likely to feel tired and tense.
- You shouldn't force anything: you can damage your body if you do.
- You shouldn't worry too much: it may increase your blood pressure and cause you pain.
- You need to stay active: rest isn't everything. You need to be active to maintain good blood circulation in your body.
- You need to be careful with drugs: don't use drugs or alcohol, as they can aggravate RSI.
Regular physical activity to protect against MSDs
Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity can actually reduce the risk of MSDs. As mentioned above, it improves blood circulation and relieves stress. It can also help reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.
Regular physical activity can help :
- reduce tension in the neck and shoulders,
- improve blood circulation in the neck,
- improve neck muscle strength and flexibility,
- put an end to stress.
No physical activity is perfect for preventing RSI, but some activities have been shown to be better than others. To help your employees avoid RSI, find out how to do ergonomic shelving!
