TL;DRAbstract
Abstract Soft tissue rheumatic disorders are common—the lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain approach 70 and 80 per cent, respectively. However, the model of traditional rheumatological practice is associated with the management of articular, principally inflammatory, diseases. It is unsurprising, therefore, that a popular misconception has arisen—that the majority of disability from musculoskeletal disorders is caused by inflammatory disease. This chapter will challenge this misconception, describing our current knowledge of the burden of pain and disability in the population arising from soft tissue rheumatic complaints. However, the epidemiology of soft tissue rheumatic disorders is currently poorly characterized for several reasons. Therefore, this review will scrutinize the available epidemiological research, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, and identify those areas in which further research is urgently required.
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Abstract Soft tissue rheumatic disorders are common—the lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain approach 70 and 80 per cent, respectively. However, the model of traditional rheumatological practice is associated with the management of articular, principally inflammatory, diseases. It is unsurprising, therefore, that a popular misconception has arisen—that the majority of disability from musculoskeletal disorders is caused by inflammatory disease. This chapter will challenge this misconception, describing our current knowledge of the burden of pain and disability in the population arising from soft tissue rheumatic complaints. However, the epidemiology of soft tissue rheumatic disorders is currently poorly characterized for several reasons. Therefore, this review will scrutinize the available epidemiological research, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, and identify those areas in which further research is urgently required.
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