Time to address musculoskeletal disorders across the globe

New analysis published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology, reveals the huge burden of musculoskeletal disorders across the globe.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. Especially prevalent among ageing adults, musculoskeletal disorders can affect both physical and mental health and can have a huge influence on quality of life and the overall general wellbeing of an individual.

Researchers examined data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, which included information from 195 countries from 1990-2017 on musculoskeletal disorders, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, low back pain and neck pain. The analysis revealed that these conditions increased with age, was more prevalent in females and was higher in developed countries.

Senior study author Dr Rachelle Buchbinder MD, of the Cabrini Institute and Monash University in Australia explained, “ A global response is needed and this should be integrated with other strategies that can address some of the modifiable and important risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders including obesity, poor nutrition, smoking and sedentary lifestyles.”