According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.71 billion people around the world have musculoskeletal disorders, leading to early retirement, lower levels of well-being, and reduced capacity for social participation, as they limit mobility and dexterity. There are sudden and short-term disorders, up to chronic diseases that can cause permanent disability. In this opportunity, Dr. Ramiro Cieza, an orthopedic surgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides information on the most common disorders:

Types of musculoskeletal disorders

• Low back pain: Pain in the lower back, usually caused by muscle injury or spinal problems.

Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, pain relief medications, and prevention with age-appropriate physical activity.

• Cervical Pain: Discomfort in the neck, often due to poor posture, stress, or injury to the cervical spine.

Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and analgesics to help reduce pain and improve mobility.

• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: Inflammation, pain in the muscles and tendons of the shoulder.

Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat this condition.

• Epicondylitis: Pain on the outside of the elbow, commonly known as “tennis elbow”.

Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, use of splints and medications to relieve symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, infiltrations are necessary.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist.

Treatment: Rest, splinting, occupational therapy and, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms and restore function.

Dr. Ramiro Cieza
Orthopedic surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma