Musculoskeletal Disorders

Did you know that around 1 in 4 adults in the UK are affected by Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) which can reduce our enjoyment of everyday living and quality of life.

MSD covers anything that impacts our ability to move effectively from our muscles and bones to our nervous system. Common issues include back pain, arthritis, sciatica or injury.

It is the 2nd most common reason after coughs and colds for absence from work and covers 30% of why people visit their GP.

More information about MSD and the work place can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/

Dealing with the constant and ongoing physical symptoms can also greatly affect our mental health causing a great amount of stress and anxiety in both our work and home life alike. This can impact our relationships within our work environment, family life and our personal relationships.

Public Health England have launched a new initiative to address this situation, increase awareness and improve the health of our ageing population with the key message being that keeping fit and active, eating a healthy diet and being supported in the work place can help towards preventing and improving MSD.

If you are interested and want to read the full report it can be read at GOV.UK Musculoskeletal health: 5 year prevention strategic framework. Or on the Versus Arthritis website: https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/

Massage as part of a treatment package including exercise can also be recommended for back pain according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which is great news for us therapists.

Remember we don't have to live with ongoing pain issues. There are a number of things that can and do help and we just have to find the right solution for ourselves which can make all the difference to our present day and future lives.