A study of occurrence of musculoskeletal discomfort in computer operators

Technological advances, particularly, invention of computers, have revolutionized our way of working. Computer has become an integral part of our life. However, its use is not free from health hazards. Intensive computer work puts stress and strain on muscles, as well as joints, because of continuous and repetitive nature of movements. Individual factors, prolonged awkward postures, poor workstation design and psycho-social environment can lead to development of symptoms of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD). If these symptoms are ignored and if no preventive measures are taken, cumulative trauma disorders such as myalgia, myofascial syndromes, nerve entrapment syndromes, tendonitis, epicondilitis and tenosynovitis can develop.(1) In this paper, which is a part of a broader cross-sectional study, 419 individuals using computers were studied, and a number of individual factors of presumed importance were investigated.