Occupational (and non-occupational) risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders are an important cause of disability and absence from work in industrialized countries. A number of studies reported the importance of occupational, personal and psycho-social factors in the aetiology of these work-related disorders.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

To stress the complex relationships existing between risk factors, reporting findings from reviews and original studies regarding two of the most significant musculoskeletal disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and low back pain (LBP).

CONCLUSIONS

More detailed epidemiological studies are needed to explore the interactions between risk (and protective) factors, since these can play the role of determinants, confounders or effect modifiers.