Have you or your friends and family been complaining frequently of back, neck and joint pain? Well, you are not the only ones in pain. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, back pain, spinal deformity, osteoporosis and traumatic injuries, have been significantly impacting millions of people worldwide. Poor ergonomics practiced at work and at home, only put more people at risk. October 12th to 20th marks the annual global Bone and Joint Action Week, designed to highlight the importance of musculoskeletal health. To improve the quality of life of people with diseases associated with musculoskeletal disorders, the need to effectively prevent and manage the conditions through recommended treatment is crucial.

Here are 5 special days during Bone and Joint Action Week:

• 12th October – World Arthritis Day
  Arthritis, the inflammation of joints, is not an old age disease and anyone from as young as 6 months old may develop it. Some types of Arthritis can be prevented, while some are life-threatening. There are treatments and self-management methods available for Arthritis sufferers to improve their quality of life.
• 16th October – World Spine Day
  Do you know that 50% of the working population will experience back or neck pain symptoms at least once per year? So straighten up and move! Encourage everyone to maintain a proper sitting and standing posture to ensure good spinal health and prevention of injuries at your workplace.
• 17th October – World Trauma Day
  Trauma is a major cause of death and disability across the world and at least 50% of road deaths could be prevented with the correct intervention after trauma has occurred.
• 19th October – World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
  Children suffering from slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) should be treated as soon as possible. Failure to treat a SCFE may lead to: Death of bone tissue in the femoral head Degenerative hip disease Gait abnormalities and chronic pain SCFE is associated with a greater risk of arthritis of the hip joint later in life.
• 20th October – World Osteoporosis Day
  If your bone density T-score is between -1 and -2.5 or lower, your bone mass is low and you might have osteopenia or osteoporosis. This can happen to both males and females.  Fractures are warning signs of Osteoporosis.

If you or your loved ones would like to seek professional medical advice and/or consultation, call our friendly medical concierge at +65 6679 7867 or email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg and we will be on hand to assist you.

Wishing you the best of health, The Editorial Team The Medical Concierge Group