Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major public health burden ranking third in terms of the causes of disability among persons worldwide. Since the seventies, life expectancy at birth around the world has risen roughly by 13 years for women and 12 years for men, creating a greater probability of experiencing some type of MSD during the life course. In this chapter, we first introduce the definition and classification structure of musculoskeletal disorders and provide a comprehensive description of selected MSDs (i.e. low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis) of major concern to public health research and practice. We then transition the discussion on a global scale, to the incidence and prevalence of MSDs, their economic impact, and growing burden on society. There are various known modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of MSDs that will also be discussed including an emphasis on the presence and influence of ageing and obesity on MSDs. Lastly we summarize future directions in terms of research, practice, and policy that can be implemented and developed to improve the global burden of musculoskeletal disorders. In the advent of a large ageing population and increased life expectancy, the burden of musculoskeletal disorders can be expected to increase globally.