Aim of the study: Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases are a challenge for occupational-medical practice. Experimental, clinical and epidemiological insights need to be brought together with occupational-medical and social-medical consequences for the employee and the company. In a survey, the different kinds of strain and disposition are presented as the reason for the development of such diseases. Results: Discogenic diseases, arthrosis of the joints, diseases of the tendons and synovial bursae, mechanically induced damage to the nerves and vessels, and long-term strain on the muscles of the back and extremities are, according to clinical and epidemiological insights, the most important occupationally induced musculoskeletal diseases. Their development at work depends also on numerous genetic dispositions, on lifestyle and on accompanying illnesses. Disposition has the effect that under the same strain only some of the persons affected develop the illness earlier or more severely, as is the case with other multi-causal diseases. The strain at work must be differentiated according to that resulting from loads, posture and vibration, biomechanically-acting internal strain, the duration and frequency of similar forms of strain and the periods for recovery. High long-term strain and peaks with microtraumas compete with one another incausing structural damage. Conclusions: Occupationally-iduced damage and age-related diseases belong to the complex of factors governing chronic degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Many details are difficult to quantify as a result of inadequate medical insights and a lack of data regarding strain. Occupationally induced diseases of the musculoskeletal system are an important item in occupational health care.
