State-of-the-art research perspectives on musculoskeletal disorder causation and control: the need for an intergraded understanding of risk.

In order to control musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk, it is important to understand how these disorders develop and manifest themselves in society. One could argue that without a thorough understanding of the root causes of a disorder we are only interpreting MSD symptoms in our efforts to reduce risk. However, when we understand how MSDs are “triggered” and understand their development, we have an opportunity to control the problem at the source and can potentially avoid the costly rehabilitative process. Our knowledge of musculoskeletal disorder causation has progressed well over the years with in-depth understanding accelerating in the topic areas of epidemiology, the biomechanics of tissue loading, the biomechanics of tissue tolerance, physiological response to tissue loading, pain perception of the musculoskeletal system, individual and genetic influences on musculoskeletal disorder, psychosocial and organizational influences, and the role of primary and secondary interventions. However, MSDs are still the leading cause of occupational-related injuries. Hence, it appears we still have a long way to go before we have enough knowledge of MSD development so that we can eradicate these disorders from the workplace.