Inflammation and the pathophysiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Authors
Barbe-MF; Barr-AE
Source
Brain Behav Immun 2006 Sep; 20(5):423-429
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Injuries; Occupational-health; Occupational-hazards; Epidemiology; Repetitive-work; Workers; Worker-health; Tissue-disorders; Occupational-diseases; Diseases
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
mary.barbe@temple.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-003970; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U01-OH-008559
Source Name
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
Performing Organization
Temple University
