Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation of the European University of Lefke Asst. Prof. Dr. Beliz Belgen Kaygısız provided detailed information on the subject of “Musculoskeletal system diseases increase in desk workers using computers”.

“Especially since the mid-1980s, since the beginning of the information age, the use of computers in the workplace has increased significantly. Desktop computers, laptops and tablets are the main tools frequently used in the workplace for both communication and project management. In parallel with the increase in the use of technology, musculoskeletal system diseases are gradually increasing.” said Kaygısız and pointed out that work-related musculoskeletal diseases are defined as damage or disease of muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, other soft tissues and discs in the spine as a result of exposure to repetitive physical movements in the working environment and that the World Health Organization reports that work-related diseases can be affected by many factors such as physical, psychological, personal, socio-cultural and work organisation.

“Painful conditions caused by disc problems in the neck, muscle spasms, spinal curvature, carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, shoulder / back, low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal problems caused by the working environment.”

“The increase in the use of computers in workplaces has led to changes in work organisations and the development of new risk factors while increasing productivity and has brought many health problems, especially musculoskeletal diseases. Among the most important factors in the occurrence of musculoskeletal system diseases in computer users, incorrect keyboard use, repetitive movements such as repetitive “mouse” clicking, static posture, use of the body in wrong positions and inadequate ergonomic conditions of the workplace are shown.” Kaygısız also added that daily / weekly computer usage time and not taking rest breaks during work are also stated as risk factors. Kaygısız continued as follows: “It has been reported in many scientific studies that work-related musculoskeletal disorders in computer users reduce work efficiency and cause people to interrupt their work. It has been reported that computer users are exposed to musculoskeletal system diseases and that there are high rates of disease, especially in the neck, shoulder, hand and spine regions during the performance of professional functions. The occurrence of problems in these areas is mostly encountered in case of damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons and soft tissues. In these disease states, which occur due to various risks, increasing pain, limitation of movement and many different chronic symptoms are seen and these cause absenteeism from work. Painful conditions caused by disc problems in the neck, muscle spasms, spinal curvature, carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, shoulder / back, low back pain are among the most common musculoskeletal problems caused by the working environment.”

Kaygısız “The importance of increasing ergonomic trainings and dissemination of ergonomic interventions is increasing”

Kaygısız concluded, “In parallel with the increase in work-related musculoskeletal diseases, the importance of increasing ergonomic training and dissemination of ergonomic interventions in workplaces is increasing. In addition, employers should take the necessary measures to prevent occupational risks, including the prevention of occupational risks, training and information to protect the health and safety of employees. In this context, it is important to make the necessary workplace ergonomic evaluations and to make ergonomic arrangements in the workplace according to the results of the evaluation. In order to prevent musculoskeletal complaints that are common in computer users, teaching the correct working postures to employees, ergonomics trainings, teaching exercises that can be easily done during rest breaks and ergonomic regulation of the workplace environment are important interventions that should be implemented.”