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 Work-related
musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities are quite common and
occur in nearly all types of work situations. Each year direct Workers'
Compensation costs due to these types of injuries are over $2 billion,
plus an additional $90 million in indirect costs.
The highest rate of disorder was found in industry workers whose jobs required them to repeat the same type of forceful motion throughout their work shift, such as food processors, automobile and electronics assemblers, carpenters, office data entry workers, cashiers, and garment workers. Most often, disorders affect the soft tissues of the neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, and fingers. The disorders can develop gradually, resulting from repeated actions and the twisting and bending of the hand, wrist and arms combined with force. To better understand the activities which significantly contribute to work-related injuries, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Center for Disease Control, reviewed over 40 epidemelogic studies, and formulated a correlation between posture, repetition, force, and vibration, and work-related injuries in the upper extremities and lower back. The NIOSH study determined posture, repetition and force were each significant risk factors in developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Vibration was also a significant risk factor in developing conditions in the hand and wrist. However, in most instances, it was a combination of risk factors that proved to have the most impact. The most common work-related injury in the upper extremities is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve becomes entrapped by irritated and swollen tendons in the wrist pressing on the nerve as it passes through the wrist. Workers whose jobs demand repetitive movement -- not necessarily forceful or strenuous movements -- of the wrist, hand and arm are most at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can result in severe pain in the wrist and hands, most often at night; decreased strength; inability to use the affected hand; and in some cases, permanent loss of sensation, even partial paralysis. Common injuries associated with the neck and shoulder area include: Common injuries associated with the hand and wrist: Common injuries associated with the elbow: Find out more about the structures of the upper extremities by clicking on one of these links:
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