Musculoskeletal conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions are highly prevalent and large contributors to illness, pain and disability.  Chronic musculoskeletal conditions are often managed in primary care by general practitioners and allied health professionals, but may also require hospital or emergency care, particularly where symptoms are severe or specialised treatment or surgery is needed. Primary care treatment can include physical therapy, medicines for pain and inflammation, self-management support and education, and referral to specialist care.

Musculoskeletal conditions routinely monitored by AIHW

• Arthritis is an umbrella term for a wide range of inflammatory conditions affecting joints. This often results in pain, stiffness, swelling and redness in affected joints. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are common types of arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is characterised by the breakdown of the cartilage that overlies the ends of bones in joints. It mostly affects the knees, hands, and hips, but can also affect other joints such as the spine and ankles. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints, commonly in the hands. 
• Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe inflammatory arthritis in children that begins before their 16^th birthday and lasts at least 6 weeks.
• Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis which occurs when excess uric acid built up in the blood leads to inflammation in one or more joints. The big toe joint is most commonly affected.
• Back problems describes a range of conditions related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back. These conditions can affect the neck, upper back and lower back as well as the sacrum and tailbone.
• Osteoporosis is a chronic condition defined by low bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures.