Musculoskeletal Disorders from a Global Perspective
The musculoskeletal system is one of the most important groups of body pars that we have. It contributes to the overall structuring of our bodies, it enables us to move properly, it gives us our upright stature that separates us from any other species of primate, and it is essentially allows us to live and move about as we please. Without the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and all of the other components that comprise our musculoskeletal system, there are unfortunately a lot of opportunities for problems to arise.
Because the musculoskeletal system is responsible for our locomotion and movement, a lot of physical stress is placed on the musculoskeletal system. Between walking on concrete sidewalks, athletic activity, sitting for long periods of time at work, and many other movements that are so common for the human body, the pressure and tension that our musculoskeletal components are faced with produce wear and tear on these body parts over time. This leads to significant discomfort, injury, and most of all, pain.
Chronic pain as a result of musculoskeletal problems is beyond common across the globe; it is ever present. In 2013, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 21% of the years lived with disability according to the Global Burden of Disease Report of 2013. This report is backed by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, with the funding provisions coming from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With these resources it is safe to say that it accurately depicts the state of affairs in musculoskeletal health from a global perspective. Within these musculoskeletal disorders, back pain is by far the most common condition. Back pain can be crippling and can contribute to an overall decreased quality of life for all who experience it.
So now that we have this analysis and are able to fully grasp just how badly musculoskeletal disorders are affecting the global population, what is the next step? Chiropractic care can surely play a role in solving this overarching problem, but it is important to roll out chiropractic services in areas of significant need. Once we can figure out the landscape of the need for chiropractic services, we can start working towards better musculoskeletal health outcomes for the entire world.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of J. Albert Bowden II
