Musculoskeletal Disorders Most Common Cause of Work Injury

Back or neck pain got you out of work? You're not alone. A new report from the Council for Disability Awareness shows that musculoskeletal disorders like these are the most common reason for worker disability in the US.

The report showed that musculoskeletal conditions affected one in three workers claiming social security benefits and more than 30% of employees filing private insurance claims last year. The CDA's annual report includes data from employees claiming Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as well as data 19 major private insurers.

Researchers found that musculoskeletal disorders are on the rise among US workers claiming disability benefits. Between 1960 and 2011, the number of employees receiving SSDI for musculoskeletal conditions quadrupled.

The increase is likely the result of an aging working population. Fifty-seven percent of private insurance disability claimants are over the age of 50. Back pain, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions are more common in older adults.

These findings add to research from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010, which showed that musculoskeletal diseases are the second most common cause of disability worldwide.

If musculoskeletal disorders are interfering with your ability to work, Michels Spinal Rehab Center can help. Chiropractors specialize in alleviating musculoskeletal conditions commonly associated with work injury such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica. Dr. Geary Michels has helped hundreds of patients overcome work injury in Salem, OR. Call your Salem chiropractor for relief from work injury today.

Reference

The 2013 Council for Disability Awareness Long-term Disability Claims Review. Council for Disability Awareness.  Accessed June 18, 2013. http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/research/CDA_LTD_Claims_Survey_2013.asp.