The Cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders cost U.S. businesses and consumers billions of dollars per year.
Direct costs (medical costs) related to MSDs from 2004 to 2006: $576 billion (or 4.5% of GDP)
Indirect costs (calculated as lost wages) related to MSDs from 2004 to 2006: $373 billion (2.9% of GDP)
MSDs are the biggest single cause of lost workdays in the United States. In 2012, 29% of illnesses and injuries leading to days off work could be attributed to MSDs.
Mental health, cardiovascular disease and other age- and obesity-related illnesses are more likely when an MSD is already present.
MSDs are also linked to heightened presenteeism (being at work while unwell), early retirement, and economic inactivity.(1)
Clearly, MSDs are costly. Unfortunately, many are directly caused by our work. Repetitive motions, forceful exertions, and non-neutral postures lead to injury over time.
Repetitive activities performed with poor body mechanics lead to tissue breakdown over time, resulting in injury.
Source: https://spinehealth.org/breaking-down-the-exercises-that-break-down-your-spine/
It’s not only highly-active jobs; MSDs are quite common among those who work at desks.
High-risk sectors include nursing facilities, air transportation, mining, food processing, and manufacturing. Upper extremity MSDs are highly-prevalent in occupations such as clerical work, postal service, and cleaning. Back and lower limb disorders are common among truck drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, and nurses.(2)
Businesses that are proactive in teaching their employees to work and move correctly will benefit from healthier, happier, and more productive workers. Individuals who correct poor body mechanics will be able to work and enjoy their hobbies longer, and pain-free.