- Section 1 The development of the discipline of public health
- Section 2 Determinants of health and disease
- Section 3 Public health policies, law, and ethics
- Section 4 Information systems and sources of intelligence
- Section 5 Epidemiological and biostatistical approaches
- Section 6 Social science techniques
- Section 7 Environmental and occupational health sciences
- Section 8 Major health problems
- 8.1 Epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease
- 8.2 Cancer epidemiology and public health
- 8.3 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
- 8.4 Obesity
- 8.5 Physical activity and health
- 8.6 Diabetes mellitus
- 8.7 Public mental health and suicide
- 8.8 Dental public health
- 8.9 Musculoskeletal disorders
- 8.10 Neurological diseases, epidemiology, and public health
- 8.11 Infectious diseases and prions
- 8.12 Sexually transmitted infections
- 8.13 HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
- 8.14 Tuberculosis
- 8.15 Malaria
- 8.16 Chronic hepatitis and other liver disease
- 8.17 Emerging and re-emerging infections
- 8.18 Bioterrorism
- Section 9 Prevention and control of public health hazards
- Section 10 Public health needs of population groups
- Section 11 Public health functions
(p. 1046) Musculoskeletal disorders
- Chapter:
- (p. 1046) Musculoskeletal disorders
- Author(s):
Lope H. Barrero
and Alberto J. Caban-Martinez
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780199661756.003.0209
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major public health burden ranking second in terms of the causes of disability among people worldwide. Over the last four decades, life expectancy around the world has risen dramatically, creating a greater probability of experiencing some type of MSD during the life course. This chapter first introduces the definition and classification structure of MSDs and provides a comprehensive description of selected MSDs (low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis) of major concern to public health research and practice. It then transitions the discussion on a global scale to the incidence and prevalence of MSDs, their economic impact, and growing burden on society. Various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for MSDs are also discussed, including an emphasis on the presence and influence of ageing and obesity. Lastly the chapter summarizes future directions in terms of research, practice, and policy that can be implemented and developed to improve the global burden of MSDs.
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- Section 1 The development of the discipline of public health
- Section 2 Determinants of health and disease
- Section 3 Public health policies, law, and ethics
- Section 4 Information systems and sources of intelligence
- Section 5 Epidemiological and biostatistical approaches
- Section 6 Social science techniques
- Section 7 Environmental and occupational health sciences
- Section 8 Major health problems
- 8.1 Epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease
- 8.2 Cancer epidemiology and public health
- 8.3 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
- 8.4 Obesity
- 8.5 Physical activity and health
- 8.6 Diabetes mellitus
- 8.7 Public mental health and suicide
- 8.8 Dental public health
- 8.9 Musculoskeletal disorders
- 8.10 Neurological diseases, epidemiology, and public health
- 8.11 Infectious diseases and prions
- 8.12 Sexually transmitted infections
- 8.13 HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
- 8.14 Tuberculosis
- 8.15 Malaria
- 8.16 Chronic hepatitis and other liver disease
- 8.17 Emerging and re-emerging infections
- 8.18 Bioterrorism
- Section 9 Prevention and control of public health hazards
- Section 10 Public health needs of population groups
- Section 11 Public health functions