Work-relevant upper limb disorders: their characterisation, causation and management

UPPER limb disorders (ULDs) are extremely common and they have an enormous impact on individuals and on the economy through lost productivity,work loss and disability. Yet, while some conditions that come under the broad umbrella of ULDs attract a specific diagnostic label, others are of a non-specific nature; both may encompass psychological as well as physical elements, often with ‘work’ held up as the major cause or exacerbating factor of the sufferer’s pain. Research was thus commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide a more complete picture of the nature of ULDs and a better understanding of their management. This article is based on a more-detailed research report comprising a comprehensive scientific review, complete with extensive tables of evidence.