Muskulo-skeletal pain

Muscle strain and tension causing neck and shoulder pain or lower back pain are the most common causes of pain. The modern way of life such as monotonous office working posture, little or no regular exercise and obesity lead to the increasing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders.

Widespread of muskulo-skeletal pain

85 % of the general population will suffer from muskulo-skeletal pain at some time in their lives. Back problems and conditions, next to headaches are the most common complaints of pain. 

Who is at risk?

• working in construction or other jobs requiring heavy lifting, bending and twisting (e.g. nurses)

• working with a poor posture (computer job)

• little or no regular exercise

• pregnancy

• overweight

• degenerative conditions of the spine

Neck and shoulder pain

The most commonly affected areas of muscle pain are the neck and shoulders. Because of its location and range of movement the neck is often left unprotected and therefore prone to injury. The muscles go into spasms, the blood circulation decreases and this results in weakness and pain.

Possible causes

• sudden movement

• lifting heavy objects

• bad posture (desk work)

• monotonous movement

• overexertion

• cold climate or cold draughts

• stressful situations

• emotional tensions

Lower back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most significant health problems. It often is a temporary experience but sometimes it can remain for longer periods.

With younger people though, back pain can be attributed to either too little movement with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or in front of the TV for too long every day, or wrong movements e.g. poor posture, lifting and carrying things in the wrong way.

Elderly people more commonly suffer from back pain due to osteoporosis and the degeneration of spine, bones and joints (wear & tear).

At least 80% of patients suffering from low back pain are assigned to the category of non-specific back pain, meaning the cause of the pain cannot be defined.

Causes of minor damage to the back muscles

• muscle strain due to overexertion

• strenuous activities

• improper use of muscles

• muscle tension or spasm

• poor muscle tone in the back

• degeneration of the spine