Musculoskeletal disorders also known as MSDs are disorders associated with repetitive motions usually relating to a particular movement performed at work. These disorders can affect muscles, nerves, tendons and joints. Most often affecting the wrists and back, the disorders can also affect the entire body. It can damage shoulders, the neck, arms, elbows, fingers and the legs. The conditions can seriously impair the individual’s ability to get a firm grip on objects or the range of motion for multiple body parts.

It is important that there be an early detection of MSD in order to prevent long term damage to many areas of the body. The warning signs can often be misconstrued as simple aches and pains of age or daily life. Many people find that the symptoms are so subtle they are not worth taking to a doctor. If left untreated the damage is vast and could be very severe. Treated early on the disorder can be dealt with and a viable treatment plan can be implemented to change the outcome of the disorder.  They could help completely relieve the pain that you feel and change how you move.

Some of the early symptoms of MSD can include pain in isolated areas as well as numbness, tingling of the area, cramping in the areas, burning, swelling, a weakness, loss of grip and fatigue in the area. These symptoms could be continuous or they can come and go from time to time. Over time they will become more frequent and more evident. Waiting too long could make them nearly irreversible. If you suddenly feel as though you have no control over that part of your body or that part of your body is foreign to you because it is painful or numb you are likely suffering symptoms and should seek help immediately.

There are some things that you can do until you seek medical treatment for your symptoms. Start by limiting the motion that caused the issue in the first place or stop it all together if possible. Rest the affected area as much as possible making sure that you use al alternating ice and heat approach during the time. If you are able to do the same action without the same exact movement it could help you to resolve some pain. Medical treatment will likely recommend physical therapy and exercises as well as some pain medication when deemed necessary.