Musculoskeletal Conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions are among the fastest growing major health problems globally. There are over 150 conditions that can impact the health of bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues, and many of these manifest across the whole life course. Epidemiology has a fundamental role in understanding the occurrence, distribution, determinants and prognosis of musculoskeletal conditions in general populations to inform global public health policies and local healthcare provision. At the individual level, long-term disability and personal impact associated with musculoskeletal conditions can be considerable, particularly in relation to occupation and social participation for an aging population. From both international and societal perspectives, the rehabilitation needs of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions are more pronounced than for any other long-term health condition. Consequently, there are huge economic implications for healthcare system planning and delivery around the world. This chapter provides a broad epidemiological overview of common musculoskeletal conditions before discussing a selection of contemporary methodological challenges and opportunities in musculoskeletal epidemiology. The occurrence and potential risk factors for seven musculoskeletal conditions that represent the major components of the musculoskeletal system are presented. They include non-specific regional pain presentations (low back pain and neck pain) and conditions affecting joints (osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis), bones (osteoporosis and fractures) and muscles (sarcopenia). Methodological sections then discuss the following topics: defining and comparing occurrence, taking a life course perspective, prognosis, “acute-on-chronic” episodes, consultation epidemiology and the use of electronic health records, and public health.