What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and How to Prevent Them at Work

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common health problems faced by workers worldwide. They affect millions of people each year, causing pain, lost productivity, and even long-term disability. For industries that rely on physical labor — such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, logistics, and healthcare — MSDs are a leading cause of absenteeism and reduced efficiency.

But what exactly are MSDs, what causes them, and how can we prevent them in the workplace?

What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries or conditions that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and joints. They are often caused or worsened by repetitive movements, awkward postures, overexertion, vibration, or prolonged static positions.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs

• Stiffness or limited range of motion

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Fatigue after repetitive or strenuous tasks

Common Types of Musculoskeletal Disorders

To better understand the impact of MSDs, let’s look at the most frequent conditions affecting workers:

• Lower Back Pain – One of the leading causes of sick leave worldwide. Often linked to lifting heavy objects, long periods of standing, or poor workstation setup.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, common in workers performing repetitive hand or wrist motions (typing, assembly line work, tool handling).

• Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons due to overuse, frequently affecting shoulders, elbows, or wrists.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Shoulder injuries caused by repetitive overhead work or heavy lifting.

• Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow) – Pain and inflammation of the elbow due to repetitive arm and wrist movements.

• Neck Strain – Often caused by poor posture, awkward working positions, or prolonged screen use.

• Herniated Discs and Sciatica – Severe back conditions resulting from heavy lifting or repetitive bending.

  
  

These conditions are not only painful but can also lead to chronic disability if left untreated.

What Causes MSDs in the Workplace?

The workplace is a key environment where MSDs develop. Common causes include:

• Repetitive Movements – Tasks like lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or assembly line work.

• Awkward Postures – Bending, twisting, reaching overhead, or working in confined spaces.

• Overexertion – Lifting loads that are too heavy or applying too much force.

• Vibration – Use of vibrating tools and machinery (e.g., drills, jackhammers).

• Static Postures – Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods.

• Insufficient Recovery Time – Lack of breaks or rotation between tasks.

Why Preventing MSDs Matters

MSDs are not just a personal health issue — they are a business challenge:

• They are the leading cause of workplace injuries in Europe and the U.S.

• They account for a significant share of sick leave and compensation claims.

• They lower employee morale and productivity.

• They increase staff turnover in physically demanding industries.

  
  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide.

How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work

The good news is that most MSDs can be prevented or reduced through workplace innovation and better ergonomics:

1. Ergonomic Workplace Design – Adjustable workstations, lifting aids, and supportive tools that reduce awkward postures.

2. Exoskeleton Technology – Wearable devices like the Skelex exoskeleton support the body during physically demanding tasks, reducing strain on shoulders, arms, and back.

3. Training & Awareness – Educating workers about safe lifting techniques, posture correction, and early symptom recognition.

4. Task Rotation & Breaks – Rotating workers between tasks and ensuring adequate recovery time.

5. Health & Fitness Programs – Encouraging stretching, strength training, and overall fitness to increase resilience against MSDs.

The Role of Exoskeletons in Reducing MSDs

Exoskeletons are becoming a game-changer in occupational health and safety. By supporting the musculoskeletal system, exoskeletons reduce the physical load on workers, particularly during overhead, repetitive, or heavy lifting tasks.

Companies across manufacturing, logistics, construction, and agriculture are already seeing measurable benefits, including:

• Reduced worker fatigue

• Lower incidence of shoulder and back injuries

• Improved productivity and worker retention

At Skelex, we design industrial exoskeletons specifically to protect workers from musculoskeletal disorders, helping them stay healthier, safer, and more productive.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are a growing concern for workers and employers alike. From back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome, these conditions affect millions of people every year and represent a major cause of lost productivity in physically demanding industries.

The good news is that solutions exist. With a combination of ergonomic improvements, worker training, and wearable technologies like exoskeletons, it’s possible to significantly reduce the risk of MSDs.

At Skelex, we believe every worker deserves a safe and sustainable work environment — one where physical demands no longer have to come at the cost of long-term health.