Aching backs and shoulders taking a toll

Studies are determining that age and obesity may not be ergonomically correct.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. May 23/30, 2005.

Washington -- Treatment for such common musculoskeletal disorders as rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain can be lengthy and costly -- making prevention the better option, said researchers at a recent conference of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

But a review of the best intervention studies to reduce such injury in work settings revealed few winning strategies. For example, there is little evidence that wearing a back belt, typing on an ergonomically correct keyboard or providing health education results in much improvement in the rate of injuries, said presenters at the group's recent meeting, "Research to Practice to Policy," held in Washington, D.C., in early May.

On the other hand, stretching and strength-building exercise programs might help some workers in manufacturing jobs, and wearing the appropriate glasses and having support for the forearms could help computer users, presenters said.

There is no doubt that musculoskeletal disorders are taking a toll on the nation's health. They account for nearly 70 million physician office visits in the United States each year, according to a 2000 report by the National Academies. And they are expensive. Treatment for one rotator cuff case tallied $24,600, said Barbara Silverstein, PhD, MPH, research director for Washington state's Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention program, or SHARP.

What's more, physicians should be prepared to see even more shoulder injuries as damaged rotator cuffs and related shoulder disorders appear to be on the upswing, even as cases of carpal tunnel syndrome decline, conference presenters said.