Primary care for women. Comprehensive assessment of common musculoskeletal disorders

This article reviews the common musculoskeletal disorders that are likely to be encountered in the women's primary care setting. Basic anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system are reviewed, and the assessment and treatment of complaints of strains, sprains, low back pain, chest pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, musculoskeletal pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis are discussed. Examples of low-technology treatment strategies are included.