What Are MSDs and How Do They Happen?

At Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman, we serve those trying to collect compensation after filing for  workers’ compensation. We work with injured clients who live in and around Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark. Please contact us for help with your workers’ compensation claim.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the largest category of on-the-job injuries. In fact, they’re responsible for just about 30% of all workers’ compensation claims in the United States. MSDs are injuries that affect the body’s movement system, like your muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, or discs. MSDs in the workplace are common and preventable. Musculoskeletal disorders are typically caused by repetitive motion. An MSD can be debilitating, as they affect how the body moves, and you may need workers’ compensation while you recover.

Common MSDs

Musculoskeletal disorders occur across a variety of industries. Other names you might hear for MSDs are “repetitive stress injury” or “overuse injury.” Examples of these injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tendonitis
• Muscle/tendon strains
• Ligament sprains
• Trigger finger/thumb
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ruptured or herniated disc
• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

These disorders can also lead to long-term painful conditions like arthritis.

Causes and prevention of MSDs

Risk factors for MSDs include high task repetition, forceful and consistent pressure, or a repetitive or sustained awkward posture. The key here is repetition, as the repetitiveness of the task fatigues the worker and does not give the body and muscles enough time to recover. Eventually, a musculoskeletal imbalance will develop and an injury will occur.

However, if you work in the type of job where you might be at risk for an MSD, it’s not a foregone conclusion you’ll develop one. Adopting healthy work habits reduces the chances of on-the-job injury. Incorporate the following into your workday to avoid developing an MSD:

• If you spend most of the day sitting, ensure your posture is correct with a straight back, shoulders back and loose, and feet touching the floor.
• Your chair should be at the proper height to reach your keyboard comfortably.
• Your monitor should be at eye-level and mouse within reach.
• Take frequent breaks to move your body around and stretch.
• If your job requires you to bend and lift objects up or over your head, use proper techniques to protect your back, as well as prevent twisting and other injuries.

You are entitled to compensation for work-related injuries, whether they happened in an instant or over time. Sometimes, however, your employer or their insurer may not pay you what you deserve or may refuse to pay you at all.

An experienced Delaware workers’ compensation attorney from Silverman, McDonald & Friedman can discuss your options with you when you are facing any kind of dispute about your claim. Our dedicated lawyers work with clients in Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark. Call 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form today.