NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Inflammation and the pathophysiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Barbe-MF; Barr-AE

Brain Behav Immun 2006 Sep; 20(5):423-429

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2006.03.001

20031056

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have accounted for a significant proportion of work injuries and workers' compensation claims in industrialized nations since the late 1980s. Despite epidemiological evidence for the role of repetition and force in the onset and progression of work-related MSDs, complete understanding of these important occupational health problems requires further elucidation of pathophysiological mechanisms of the tissue response, particularly in the early stage of these disorders. Results from several clinical and experimental studies indicate that tissue microtraumas occur as a consequence of performing repetitive and/or forceful tasks, and that this mechanical tissue injury leads to local and perhaps even systemic inflammation, followed by fibrotic and structural tissue changes. Here we review work linking inflammation and the development of work-related MSDs. We also propose a conceptual framework suggesting the potential roles that inflammation may play in these disorders, and how inflammation may contribute to pain, motor dysfunction, and to puzzling psychological symptoms that are often characteristic of patients with work-related MSDs.

Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Injuries; Occupational-health; Occupational-hazards; Epidemiology; Repetitive-work; Workers; Worker-health; Tissue-disorders; Occupational-diseases; Diseases

BBIMEW

20060901

Journal Article

mary.barbe@temple.edu

Grant; Cooperative Agreement

2006

Grant-Number-R01-OH-003970; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U01-OH-008559

5

0889-1591

Disease and Injury: Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

PA

Temple University