Optimizing Musculoskeletal Health

This chapter discusses basic principles that appear to be useful in the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. It provides some specific advice for reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the occupational setting. The chapter describes procedures that may help reduce the pain and promote the healing process when an injury does occur. It then focuses on some of the lifestyle habits that have been shown to be of benefit to musculoskeletal health. Dietary factors appear to be important with respect to musculoskeletal health. Obesity is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in general. There are many ways in which cumulative damage may accrue. The cumulative damage development might be the result of a mono-task job, or more often, jobs comprised of multiple tasks. Adoption of non-neutral postures may have an important role in increasing stress on musculoskeletal tissues, which has an important impact on the fatigue life of tissues.