Psychosocial Factors in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have a multifactorial etiology that includes not only physical stressors but also psychosocial risk factors, such as job strain, social support at work, and job dissatisfaction. Once an injury has occurred, psychosocial factors, such as depression and maladaptive pain responses, are pivotal in the transition from acute to chronic pain and the development of disability. Interventions to prevent MSD incidence and address psychosocial risk factors for delayed recovery are described.