Introduction
Muskuloskeletal disorders are the disorders that affect the muscles, bones and joints. Muskuloskeletal disorders are characterized by pain and limited mobility that depends on the severity of the disorder. They range from general pain to serious problems that require quick and proper medical attention. Muskuloskeletal disorders are moist common among the regular computer users. These regular computer users are advised to report sings early enough to avoid serious complications or even permanent damage due to the muskuloskeletal disorders. Some of the main causes of muskuloskeletal disorders include;
- Sitting in the same position for a long period of time
- Inadequate lower back support
- Maintaining an unhealthy posture while using the computer
- An ergonomically poor workstation
- Normal wear and tear of the soft tissues due to age
- Previous fracture or dislocation of the bone
- Repetitive hand movement
- Fluid retention especially during pregnancy
Types of musculoskeletal disorders
Some of the common muskuloskeletal disorders include;
- Arthritis: The inflammation of joints that is usually accompanied by stiffness, pain and swelling.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Affects the median nerve in the hand, ring finger or thumb. It is characterized by weakness, numbness or pain that radiates in the arm. It is caused by trauma or continuous handwork.
- Back pain: Characterized by a contentious dull pain and tenderness in lower back muscles. It is caused by bad lifting, poor posture, pregnancy and pushing and pulling techniques.
- Degenerative joint pain: This type of muskuloskeletal disorder is defined as the breakdown of the joint's smooth and lubricated surfaces. It is caused by aging, previous injury, inflammation and congenital defects.
- Neck pain: This muskuloskeletal disorder is caused by bad habits like, poor lifting techniques and poor posture. It can also be caused by stress. It's common symptoms include; sharp pain, stiffness and persistent aching.
- Hip muskuloskeletal disorder: It limits mobility and causes weakness. It's major types include; bone tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures and ostearthritis.
- Sciatica muskuloskeletal disorder: It is pain that results from the compression of the sciatic nerve and radiates into the buttocks then descends down the back of the leg. It is caused by poor posture,overexertion, muscle strain, wearing heels and slipped disk.
- Spinal stenosis: It is the narrowing of the spinal canal. It is caused by trauma, degeneration of disks in the spine and aging.
Symptoms of musculoskeletal diosrders
The following are the most common symptoms of muskuloskeletal disorders
- Aching and tingling
- Cramping
- Reduced range of motion in the back, neck and shoulders
- Numbness or burning sensation especially in the hand
- Reduced grip strength in the hand
- Pain in the particular affected area
- Loss of color in the affected region
- Tension stress headaches and other related ailments
- Weakness in the affected area
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry, itchy or sore eyes
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue
Preventive measures
- Regular stretching and relaxing of the body.
- Use of comfort equipment like foot rest and document holders.
- Alternating work tasks.
- Taking regular breaks especially when using a computer.
- Avoid poor lifting techniques.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects that might fracture the bones by use of conveyors and vacuum lifters.
- Do regular exercise.
- Adopt proper sitting postures.
- Avoid straining previously fractured areas.
