Rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders in musicians: risks, adaptations and management.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Music Medicine
• Arts Medicine

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases in musicians, particularly before 1900, are under-documented.
• Certain genetic conditions, like Marfan syndrome, may enhance musical virtuosity but increase rheumatic disease risk.
• Contemporary artists like Lady Gaga and Céline Dion have faced career challenges due to rheumatic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the prevalence and impact of rheumatic diseases in musicians.
• To highlight the specific occupational hazards musicians face.
• To advocate for specialized medical management and prevention strategies for musicians.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on rheumatic diseases in musicians, historical and contemporary.
• Analysis of factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders in instrumentalists.
• Discussion of medical conditions and their effect on musical careers.

Main Results:

• Repetitive motions, poor posture, and instrument-specific demands lead to upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (tendinopathies, entrapment syndromes) in musicians.
• These conditions cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and performance decline, especially for string and wind players.
• Rheumatic diseases pose significant obstacles to musicians' careers, necessitating tailored medical interventions.

Conclusions:

• Musicians require specialized medical management and preventive strategies due to the high risk of rheumatic diseases.
• The field of 'arts medicine' is emerging to address the unique health needs of performing artists.
• Further research into rheumatic diseases in musicians is crucial for developing effective treatments and ensuring career longevity.