IMPACT OF WORKPLACE STRESS ON WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: A PHYSIOTHERAPY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Occupational musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD’s) comprise one of the top sources for worldwide occupational illness and result in decreased productivity, quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Factors which result in WRMSD’s include: physical (i.e., awkward postures, repetitive motions, and prolonged static loading). However, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to the importance of workplace stress and psychosocial characteristics in forming, severity, and making chronic WRMSD’s. Psychological stress will negatively impact the neuromuscular control system, increase resting muscle tone, increase the perception of pain, and prolong the recovery process. Therefore, the development of musculoskeletal dysfunction will worsen as a result of psychological stress. Physiotherapists must understand the interaction of psychological stress and biomechanical demands when performing comprehensive assessment, prevention strategies, and rehabilitation. This chapter will discuss the definition of workplace stress, its impact on WRMSD’s, potential mechanisms of influence, assessment methods, physiotherapy interventions, prevention strategies, issues and challenges in promoting occupational health to reduce WRMSD’s or limits the prevalence of WRMSD’s.