Work-related musculoskeletal disorder and health risk behaviours in retaining workers
- Julian Simpson
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder and health risk behaviours in retaining workers
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are prevalent conditions that affect a significant number of individuals engaged in various occupations, particularly market vendors. These disorders frequently arise from specific job characteristics that are inherent to the work environment. For instance, prolonged periods of sitting and standing can place excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system, leading to discomfort and injury. Additionally, repetitive arm movements—common in tasks such as stocking shelves or handling goods—can contribute to overuse injuries. Furthermore, the act of lifting heavy loads, often performed without proper technique or assistance, exacerbates the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues.
Symptoms of dysfunction in retail workers are :
muscle pain, which can manifest as a dull ache or sharp discomfort in various parts of the body,
muscle discomfort, often described as an unpleasant sensation that can hinder daily activities,
muscle fatigue is a state where muscles feel tired and weak after minimal exertion,
muscle weakness, which can significantly reduce an individual's ability to perform physical tasks effectively, and
loss of muscle flexibility, limiting the range of motion and potentially leading to further injury.
Risk factors for muscle pain in workers are :
repetitive tasks, which not only lead to fatigue but can also cause microtrauma to muscle fibres,
poor posture, often resulting from inadequate ergonomic practices, which can put undue stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, and
heavy lifting, particularly when performed without proper body mechanics, increases the likelihood of acute and chronic injuries.
Personal factors including
age, as older workers may have a reduced capacity for recovery and increased susceptibility to injuries,
smoking, which has been linked to decreased blood flow and oxygenation of muscles, impairing recovery and healing,
alcohol consumption, which can affect coordination and judgment, leading to higher injury risk,
obesity, which places additional strain on joints and muscles, increasing the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders, and
pre-existing medical conditions; such as arthritis or diabetes, can complicate recovery and increase the risk of further complications.
Psychosocial factors such as
lack of job control, which can lead to increased stress and tension in the workplace,
high job pressure, often resulting in hurried work practices that may compromise safety ergonomics, and
poor communication, which can hinder the ability to address ergonomic concerns and promote a safer work environment.
Due to the awkward postures and the amount of repetitive movements retail workers do, the researchers found the following areas most affected by muscle dysfunction:
the right arm was the most common pain region (34.7%), indicating a high prevalence of overuse injuries in this area,
followed by the left leg (31.0%), which may be subjected to strain from standing for long periods,
right leg (30.0%), showing similar patterns of discomfort as the left leg, and
left arm (28.6%), which is also vulnerable to the effects of repetitive motion and awkward postures.
Additionally, 64.3% of participants showed poor muscle flexibility, indicating a widespread issue that can limit physical performance and increase injury risk.
Moreover, 68.5% of participants reported no regular exercise due to lack of time, which can further exacerbate the issues related to muscle dysfunction and overall health.
Movement is medicine; hence why we at Health Wise Chiropractic prioritize your muscle and spinal hygiene. Our approach focuses on enhancing your ability to exercise and move better, thereby reducing the amount of dysfunction you experience when you come home after a demanding day at work. By emphasising the importance of regular physical activity and proper ergonomics, we aim to empower workers to take charge of their health, ultimately leading to improved well-being and productivity in the workplace.
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