Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck due to computer use

Abstract

Occupational injuries pose a major problem in workplaces where computers are widely used. Intensive, repetitive and long period computer use results in costly health problems (direct cost), and loss of productivity (indirect cost). The causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in workplaces are diverse and poorly understood. Yet, fewer studies exist on the computer use related musculoskeletal disorders, focusing on musculoskeletal problems in the neck. In this chapter we will present the findings of a risk assessment model through scientific research to determine the effect of discomfort factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders at the neck region resulting from intensive use of computers in workplaces. In this regard a questionnaire was given to 130 intensive computer users working in the university sector. A list of significant predictor variables for musculoskeletal disorders were developed to assess and analyze workplace ergonomics, worker attitudes and experiences due to computer use. The main focus of the current research is to seek and provide evidence of the symptoms of musculoskeletal discomfort and the frequency of these symptoms which are significant in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). This study provides the evidence that, ache and pain are the most common types of discomforts in all body regions and the discomforts were pronounced the most in the neck region. The risk factors determined by the risk assessment model were validated through ANOVA of the sEMG records for the control and test groups. The findings indicated that for each test group respondent, although the mean musculoskeletal strain experienced differs in time, the same is not true for the control group. The potential application of this chapter include the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders associated with the intensive, repetitive and long period computer use that affects the overloaded neck region. Thus the study provides guidance for solving problems related with costly health problems, lost productivity, and relieve the imposed economic burden. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.