Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) represent a major public health and workplace well-being issue. Affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, and ligaments, they are the leading cause of recognized occupational diseases in France and can lead to chronic pain, disability, and a significant decline in quality of life. Adopting an active prevention approach, at both individual and organizational levels, is essential to limit their occurrence and consequences.
Understanding MSDs: Silent enemies
MSDs encompass a wide range of conditions, the best known of which are tendinitis (shoulder, elbow, wrist), carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, and neck pain (cervicalgia). They most often result from a mismatch between the body’s capacities and the demands placed upon it, particularly in a professional context, but also during domestic or leisure activities.
The onset of MSDs is generally gradual and insidious. Early warning signs such as discomfort, localized muscle fatigue, or occasional pain may be the first symptoms. If ignored, these signals can progress to persistent pain, loss of strength, joint stiffness, and eventually, an inability to perform certain movements or tasks.
Identifying risk factors: A multifactorial approach
The occurrence of MSDs is rarely linked to a single cause but rather to a combination of several risk factors:
Individual factors: Age, gender, certain pre-existing conditions, lack of physical activity, poor lifestyle habits (smoking, unbalanced diet), or lack of experience or training for a position can modulate an individual’s susceptibility to MSDs.
Biomechanical factors: These are the most directly involved. They include repetitive movements, excessive efforts, awkward or prolonged static postures, twisting movements, the use of vibrating tools, or carrying heavy loads.
Organizational and psychosocial factors: A sustained work pace, tight deadlines, lack of autonomy, low social support from colleagues or management, stress, task monotony, and lack of recognition can increase the risk of MSDs. These factors influence the perception of workload and can lead to increased muscle tension.
Environmental factors: Working in a cold environment, poor lighting, or an inadequately designed workstation (work surface height, tool accessibility) can force the body to adopt unfavorable postures.