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Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors
Pre-existing conditions that may cause or make some people more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders
include the following: hereditary factors, vascular disorders, obesity, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B
deficiency), endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes), hormonal imbalances, connective tissue disorders (e.g.,
arthritis), prior trauma (to the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, or legs), prior musculoskeletal
disorders, aging, fluid retention due to pregnancy, poor physical conditioning, dietary habits and other
conditions.
Psychosocial factors associated with these disorders include: workplace stress, poor job satisfaction, lack of
support by management and/or lack of control over one's work.
Contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramp, stiffness, throbbing,
weakness, soreness, tingling and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and/or
legs.