Occupational (and non-occupational) risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are an important cause of disability and absence from work in industrialized countries. A number of studies reported the importance of occupational, personal and psycho-social factors in the aetiology of these work-related disorders.

Objectives and methods: To stress the complex relationships existing between risk factors, reporting findings from reviews and original studies regarding two of the most significant musculoskeletal disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and low back pain (LBP).

Conclusions: More detailed epidemiological studies are needed to explore the interactions between risk (and protective) factors, since these can play the role of determinants, confounders or effect modifiers.