Systemic Inflammatory Mediators Contribute to Widespread Effects in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders:

Recent studies in a rat model have indicated that the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) include widespread inflammation and subsequent fibrosis at high levels of repetition and force. A systemic inflammatory component may affect tissues not directly involved in task performance, thereby contributing to widespread and puzzling symptoms that are often characteristic of patients with WMSDs.