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Sydney, November 5th
In a major global study, researchers found that cases of musculoskeletal disorders – affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints – are rapidly increasing around the world.
Musculoskeletal disorders can severely affect individuals’ physical and mental health and are particularly prevalent among older adults, the results reported in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Although many researchers are studying these conditions and their rates in different regions of the world, no studies to date have provided an overview of the burden of all musculoskeletal disorders.
“Our study describes the enormous global burden of disability from musculoskeletal conditions in a single article,” said senior author Rachelle Buchbinder of Monash University in Australia.
For the analysis, the researchers looked at data from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study, which assessed the extent of disease and injury in 21 regions and 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017.
Musculoskeletal disorders included rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, gout and related conditions.
The team found that in 2017 there were about 1.3 billion prevalent cases and 121,300 deaths due to musculoskeletal disorders, as well as 138.7 million years of life adjusted for disability or the number of years lost due to health problems, disabilities or early death.
The burden of these diseases generally increases with age for both sexes. However, it was more prevalent among women and was higher in developed countries.
“These conditions are underestimated despite their enormous costs to individuals, the economy and the health system,” Buchbinder said.
“Furthermore, there has been a lack of a significant reduction in the burden from these conditions over time, which means there is still insufficient emphasis on addressing the problem,” Buchbinder added.
The researcher noted that policy makers need to be aware of the scale of this growing problem, especially in light of the rapidly aging population around the world.
“A global response is needed and this should be complemented with other strategies that can address some of the major modifiable risk factors of MSDs, including obesity, poor diet, smoking and sedentary lifestyles,” he said.
The authors also stressed the need for standardized methods for collecting data on the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. IANS
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