Musculoskeletal awareness

Musculoskeletal conditions, which typically lead to pain and decreased mobility, can be caused by a number of factors including normal age-related degenerative changes, poor fitness, high job demands, and a sedentary lifestyle.[1]

Did You Know?

• Musculoskeletal conditions are the main cause of disability worldwide¹
• Lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability globally¹
• Between 20 and 33% of all people live with a musculoskeletal condition¹
• Musculoskeletal conditions affect people of all ages, including children¹

Musculoskeletal conditions are any injury, damage, or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the limbs or back.[2] The risk of developing some of these conditions can be significantly minimized and many of them can be treated or managed when detected early.^1,2

Preventing musculoskeletal conditions involves taking the same measures as for many other non-communicable diseases. These include an active lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption.^1,[3]

Here are some specific guidelines you can follow to prevent musculoskeletal problems in the workplace[4]:

• Adjust your workstation and your chair to ensure that your posture is suitable for your tasks. That way you don’t strain your neck, back, or legs.
• Avoid being static for prolonged periods of time. Make sure you take regular breaks and stretch your arms, legs, neck, and back.
• If you are required to handle weights or to make repetitive movements for your job, consult a safety manual and use safe handling techniques to avoid injuries from joint overuse or improper weight handling.

Treatment for musculoskeletal conditions can be through primary care and non-surgical treatments such as exercise plans, weight management, and medication. More serious cases and conditions may require specialist care or surgery.¹

Sources:

[1] Musculoskeletal conditions. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions. Reviewed November 26, 2019. Accessed March 11, 2020.

[2] Musculoskeletal disorders in detail. HSE. https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/detail.htm. Accessed March 11, 2020.

[3] Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). HSE. https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/msds.htm. Accessed March 11, 2020.

[4] Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html. Reviewed February 12, 2020. Accessed March 11, 2020.