What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
Musculoskeletal conditions are disorders of muscles, nerves, joints, cartilage, spinal discs and tendons. These conditions affect bones and connective tissue, which may result in pain and limitations of mobility. MSDs can result from the interaction of physical, psychological and occupational factors. For example, a sudden exertion, such as lifting a heavy object or making a repetitive motion; a sedentary lifestyle which affects muscle loss, such as sarcopenia, with loss of energy, vitality and disability.
Furthermore, the MSDs are often caused by biomechanical load, activities involving heavy loads.
Common musculoskeletal disorders can affect:
- Joints – osteoarthritis, RA, Psoriatic arthritis, gout, spondyloarthritis such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and ligament sprain
- Muscles – sarcopenia
- Bones – osteoporosis, osteopenia, fragility fractures
- Multiple body areas – multiple systems such as back tension, the tension in the neck, fibromyalgia pain conditions, inflammatory conditions (connective tissue conditions such as lupus)
Risk factors include:
- Poor work practices – create unnecessary stress on the body that increases fatigue
- Poor overall health habits – smoke, drinking, obesity and other poor factors put at risk of musculoskeletal conditions
- Poor nutrition, physical activity and hydration – are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal and other chronic conditions.
- A sedentary lifestyle affects muscle loss, such as sarcopenia, with loss of energy, vitality and disability.
Some signs and symptoms
If some of the above sound familiar to you, we can help you to manage your musculoskeletal function
How we can help you to manage your musculoskeletal disorders in a better way
Prevention of MSDs is based on identifying the risk factors by self-reporting, observation and correction on better posture at work, home, or daily life is an essential part of the recovery and gain mobility and function of the musculoskeletal system. Ones we identify the risk factors, we design a personalised health plan to prevent the development of this disorder, and the use of ergonomics can be good support for some of our patients, depending on the injury. We also include body-mind techniques used at healthwellbeingfirst in your recovery.