Prescription ergonomics: adding prevention to the diagnosis and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

The physician treating patients who have work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) must educate the patient and employer about the nature of the problem and what to do about it. To do this effectively, diagnostic findings must be linked to prevention efforts in a way that is understandable for the physician, the patient, and the company's safety professional. Three skills are required. First, the physician must be able to recognize how the injury presentation reflects acute or chronic biomechanical stress patterns. Second, the physician must be able to recognize the work relationships and other elements that influence biomechanical stress. Third, the physician must have access to a mnemonic that enables him or her to analyze the work method and explain significant findings to the patient and employer.