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Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






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I work in a food products factory bagging up candy and other similar items for sale. Most of the workers are women of all ages. Some start to develop arm and hand pain after just a few weeks there. I've been working for six years without a complaint. Is it just a matter of attitude?

Any job with repetitive physical demands can take its toll on the human body. If you do the same motion over and over long enough, eventually the body will develop problems.

When the job exceeds the physical ability of the worker, painful symptoms occur. This kind of problem is referred to as overuse syndrome. As you've observed, not everyone develops overuse syndrome or after the same amount of stress.

Scientists aren't sure why there's such a difference from person to person. It could be linked to age, physical condition, and even gender. For instance, studies show that women are more susceptible to this type of cumulative trauma. In fact, slim women are the most likely to develop problems related to the physical demands of a job.

Attitude may have something to do with it. Psychologic disorders such as depression and anxiety seem to be linked with another overuse condition called Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Research hasn't been able to show if the psychologic problems occur as a result of the condition or are the cause of the problem.


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