Musculoskeletal diseases

Musculoskeletal diseases are diverse conditions involving bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues. WHO lists more than 150 different diseases/conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. They are common, and often results in pain and loss of function. The prevalence of these diseases differs from country to country due to various ways of registration, but it is seen to be among the most disabling and costly conditions worldwide. The causes of such diseases are often multi-factorial, involving both hereditary, environmental and work related factors.

It is difficult to define “musculoskeletal diseases” and find their cause. Fractures and injuries are relatively easy to diagnose and relate to their origin. However, the expression also include health problems like rheumatism, myalgia, tendinitis, neck pain and low-back pain. These diseases often include a significant subjective aspect, and it is often difficult to yield objective, quantifiable findings during a medical examination of such patients. In addition, it is often difficult to find the cause of these diseases, as they are multi factorial. It might be a challenge to sort out whether the disease is caused by workplace factors or not. Possible other causes are for instance sports activities, overweight, personality and genetics.

The magnitude of the problem of musculoskeletal diseases

Although the fatal diseases attract much of the public’s attention, musculoskeletal or rheumatic diseases are the most common diseases throughout the world. These diseases have a significant influence on health and quality of life, and are capable of inflicting an enormous cost burden on health systems. WHO reports that:

*Approximately 1.71 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions worldwide.

*Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries. (WHO report, 14 July 2022).

Musculoskeletal diseases
are the major cause of morbidity
throughout the world!

Low back pain – health care workers

*Trauma to the lower back

*Poor posture

*Poor techniques for lifting or carrying heavy objects

*Exposure to whole-body vibration

The factors lifting and carrying is of major importance to health care personnel, especially among those who care for patients in beds at hospitals. The prevalence of low back pain among health care personnel between 30 and 49 years, in Europe and USA, has been reported to be 66.6%. Studies from Asia have reported even higher prevalence of low back pain. A review article from Africa demonstrates that there are few studies from this region, but shows a prevalence from 44.1% to 82.7%. Review low back pain among nurses in Africa.

Office work – mouse arm

Tendinitis in the forearm, often referred to as “mouse arm,” is a common condition caused by repetitive work and prolonged use of a computer mouse. It is also referred to as repetitive strain injury. This condition develops when the tendons in the forearm become inflamed due to repetitive strain and overuse. For instance, using a computer mouse involves continuous fine motor movements, which can lead to the overuse of muscles and tendons in the forearm. Over time, this repetitive motion causes micro-tears in the tendon fibers, leading to inflammation and pain. Symptoms typically include pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the forearm, which can worsen with continued use.

This condition can be prevented by maintaining proper ergonomics, with a proper table for arm support, taking regular breaks, and performing exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles.

The mouse arm is common these days, as many employees work with computers. Writing and ‘clicking’ in data on a computer is not only for administrative people, it is often a major task also for others, for instance nurses. Reporting, ordering, payment, communication – all take place using computers. This may lead to repetitive work for many, and the risk of development of a mouse arm is high.