Inactivity and the aetiopathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders

Treatment and prevention of the commoner forms of musculoskeletal disorder depend on an approach to diagnosis that takes full account of both ætiognosis and prognosis. The factors that contribute causally to the first attack may differ from those which conspire to prevent recovery; and among the latter, inactivity plays a major role. Rest and absence from work following episodes of acute musculoskeletal pain may serve to prolong the resulting disability and encourage the development of degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Although inactivity can function independently in the aetiopathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders, it also interacts with other contributory factors. Biomechanical and psychosocial factors concerning inactivity and avoidance of pain are closely interrelated, thus affecting the selection of outcome-measures in therapeutic trials and preventive studies.