How Assessments Are Evolving: Ergonomic Injuries and Chronic Pain in Canada

In today’s workplace, the types of injuries and conditions employees experience are changing, and so too are the ways we assess them.

At Medylex, we’re seeing emerging trends in referral patterns and assessment needs being referred for independent medical examinations (IMEs) and functional assessments, especially here in Canada.

Ergonomic Injuries: Increasing Complexity in Modern Workplace

With more Canadians spending long hours at desks or on computers, ergonomic injuries are on the rise. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), neck and shoulder pain, and lower back problems are now among the most common work-related conditions.

Assessments for these injuries are becoming more detailed. Instead of relying solely on symptom reports, modern evaluations incorporate:

• Workstation analysis - reviewing how an employee interacts with their work environment.
  
  
• Functional functional capacity evaluation (FCE) - assessing validated functional tolerances and safe work capabilities
  
  
• Ergonomic recommendations - identifying adjustments or equipment that can prevent further injury.
  
  

This approach helps employers, insurers, and healthcare providers better understand the impact of the injury and plan safe return-to-work strategies.

Chronic Pain: Understanding the Whole Person

Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or long-standing musculoskeletal issues, are complex and often misunderstood. Canadian workers experiencing chronic pain may struggle to continue performing their regular duties, and assessments need to reflect the nuanced impact on their daily lives.

Modern assessments now focus on:

• Comprehensive history-taking - understanding pain patterns, triggers, and prior treatments.
  
  
• Biopsychosocial evaluation - integrating physical, psychological, and contextual contributors to function.
  
  
• Tailored recommendations - helping employers and healthcare providers create realistic, supportive plans for return to work or ongoing care.
  
  

The Future of Assessments in Canada

The common thread across these evolving areas is a more holistic, functional, and personalized approach. Modern assessments extend beyond diagnosis to evaluate functional capacity, risk factors, and return-to-work feasibility - they’re about understanding the whole person, the demands of their work, and how best to support recovery and return to work.

At Medylex, our team of experienced assessors stays up-to-date with these changes to ensure assessments are thorough, relevant, and actionable. Whether it’s an ergonomic injury or chronic pain, our goal is to provide clear insights that benefit both employees and employers.

If you’re navigating a workplace injury or complex condition, Medylex can help you understand the next steps through professional, reliable assessments.

Medylex. National Network. Local Insight. Trusted Results.