[4] MSDs can affect many different parts of the body including upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and extremities (arms, legs, feet, and hands).

[7] Activities involving heavy loads can result in acute injury, but most occupation-related MSDs are from motions that are repetitive, or from maintaining a static position.

[8] MSD risk factors involve doing tasks with heavy force, repetition, or maintaining a nonneutral posture.

[8] Although poor posture is often blamed for lower back pain, a systematic review of the literature failed to find a consistent connection.

[11] Some theories for this causal relationship found by many researchers include increased muscle tension, increased blood and fluid pressure, reduction of growth functions, pain sensitivity reduction, pupil dilation, body remaining at heightened state of sensitivity.

[19] Recent epidemiological studies identify gender as a significant risk factor in occurrence of MSDs among workers in gender-related occupations, e.g.

The target of MSD prevention efforts is often the workplace in order to identify incidence rates of both disorders and exposure to unsafe conditions.

[4] Implementation of engineering controls is the process of designing or redesigning the workplace to account for strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the working population- examples would be workstation layout changes to be more efficient or reducing bending over, or moving necessary tools within shorter reach of the worker's station.

[26] Limiting heavy lifting, training, and reporting early signs of injury are examples that can prevent MSD.

[28] The choice of tools should match that of the proper grip and be conducive to neutral postures, which is important for employers to consider when purchasing equipment.

[28] The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published ergonomic recommendations for several industries, including construction, mining, agriculture, healthcare, and retail, among others.

[37] Healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale trade, retail, and recreation industries all have incidence rates above 35 per 10,000 full-time workers.

[37] For example, a national survey of U.S. nurses found that 38% reported an MSD in the prior year, mainly lower back injury.

[37] The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 31.8 new cases of MSDs per 10,000 full-time workers per year are due to overexertion, bodily reaction, or repetitive motions.