Accommodation of workers with chronic neurologic disorders.

The ability to work is important to those with chronic neurologic disorders (CND) and to the aging workforce. Many signs and symptoms are similar in those with CND and normal aging, but may interfere with the ability to work if not appropriately accommodated. This requires the healthcare provider to recognize the specific features of the CND that interferes with work and how it can be accommodated. Review of the American with Disabilities Act and the subsequent amendment informs the healthcare provider as to what is covered under the law and how the disability can be accommodated. Overall employers want to retain qualified employees and therefore accommodating workers is beneficial to both the employee with CND and the employer.

A medical-ergonomic program for symptomatic keyboard/mouse users.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the range of ergonomic stressors and effective interventions in otherwise healthy patients diagnosed with upper extremity disorders associated with occupational keyboard/mouse use. METHODS: From patients treated in our Medical-Ergonomic Program, we report demographic data, symptoms, signs, diagnoses and associated ergonomic stressors and response to medical/ergonomic interventions. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients had a mean age (range) of 40 (23-61) years with 20 patients younger than 35 years. The most prevalent diagnoses were myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of shoulder/neck associated with poor posture, MPS of forearm extensors followed by thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Common ergonomic stressors were typing/mousing technique, keyboard height, inadequate seating, and lack of breaks. Improvement occurred in 89% following medical/ergonomic intervention. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic education/intervention must be combined with the medical treatment of work-related upper extremity disorders associated with keyboard/mouse use.