Musculoskeletal disorders, occupational causes

Therapists also deal with the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by an autoimmune response. Many of these diseases attack connective tissues, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus are often the primary reason that patients undergo rehabilitation. Patients with a compromised immune system may develop musculoskeletal problems related to their immunodeficient state. Hence, immunomodulating drugs are frequently used in many patients receiving physical therapy and occupational therapy. 

More than one third of occupational related injuries or illnesses reported by employees to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are estimated to be caused by musculoskeletal disorders. In 2003 federal regulations based on occupational management guidelines that are 15 years old are still not finalized as a result of OSHA continuing to work with Congress and small business advocacy groups to complete a rule that is deemed fair to both employees and employers. 

As early as 1700, Bernardino Ramazzini, one of the founders of occupational medicine, had associated certain physical activities with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). He postulated that certain violent and irregular motions and unnatural postures of the body impair the internal structure [Snook et al., 1988]. Presently, much effort is directed toward abetter understanding of work-related musculoskeletal disorders involving the back, cervical spine, and upper extremities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined occupational diseases as those work-related diseases where the relationship to specific causative factors at work has been fully established [WHO, 1985]. Other work-related diseases may have a weaker or unclear association to working conditions. They maybe aggravated, accelerated, or exacerbated by workplace factors and lead to impairment of workers performance. Hence obtaining the occupational history... 

All employers who are subject to the provisions of the OSH Act are required to keep records regarding the causes and prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses. This includes work-related musculoskeletal disorders. 

Some ergonomically designed keyboards are available with a rest-time indicator, which encourages the user to take a break from the computer. Although laptop computers are portable and convenient, work-related musculoskeletal injuries can still occur if one does not observe proper ergonomic principles while using a laptop. Cumulative trauma disorders, caused by repetitive strain or motion injuries and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, are the largest cause of occupational disease in the United States. 

Tendinitis and tendinopathies of the dorsal wrist are common and account for a high percentage of consultations in hand surgery. They can be related to local causes, particularly overuse due to sport or occupational activities, or may be the result of systemic musculoskeletal disorders. Because the tendons of the dorsal wrist are invested by a synovial sheath, the term tenosynovitis is more correct to define most of these conditions. Typical sites of dorsal wrist... 

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