Reducing the global burden of musculoskeletal conditions

摘要

Musculoskeletal conditions includemore than 150 diagnoses that affect thelocomotor system. These conditionsare characterized by pain and reducedphysical function, often leading to significantmental health decline, increasedrisk of developing other chronic healthconditions and increased all-causemortality.1 Many musculoskeletal conditionsshare risk factors common toother chronic health conditions, such asobesity, poor nutrition and a sedentarylifestyle. Musculoskeletal conditionsaccount for the greatest proportion ofpersistent pain across geographies andages.2 Back and neck pain, osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis and fractures areamong the most disabling musculoskeletalconditions and pose major threats tohealthy ageing by limiting physical andmental capacities and functional ability.Although the prevalence of major musculoskeletalconditions increases withage, they are not just conditions of olderage. Regional pain conditions, low backand neck pain, musculoskeletal injurysequelae and inflammatory arthritidescommonly affect children, adolescentsand middle-aged people during theirformative and peak income-earningyears, establishing trajectories of declinein intrinsic capacity in later years. Whilepoint prevalence estimates vary with respectto age and musculoskeletal condition,approximately one in three peopleworldwide live with a chronic, painfulmusculoskeletal condition. Notably,recent data suggest that one in two adultAmericans live with a musculoskeletalcondition, a prevalence comparable tothat of cardiovascular and chronic respiratorydiseases combined, which cost213 billion United States dollars in 2011(or 1.4% of gross domestic product).3Data from low- and middle-incomecountries are fewer, yet comparable.4.