Reversing the Downward Spiral

The frequent occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSDs) disorders and chronic pain syndromes is a common and costly problem for medical providers, employers, patients and workers’ compensation insurers.

Many occupational medicine specialists believe that early detection of the potential for delayed recovery and a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of painful MSDs can help prevent disability, promote return to function and reduce costs. A return to function means an injured worker has reached maximum medical improvement and is able to engage in gainful employment.

However, according to findings from a newly released study, the Musculoskeletal Disorders and Chronic Pain Survey, while 43 percent of responding practitioners use guidelines and evidence-based medicine in the treatment of MSDs and chronic pain, only 12 percent report using early intervention and a bio-psychosocial and/or multi-disciplinary approach.

In addition, according to physicians and other practitioners who responded to the survey (N=486):   

• 22 percent plan to implement, or are considering, early intervention, bio-psychosocial, multidisciplinary, evidence-based medicine services, and 15 percent are implementing/considering controlled narcotic/non-pharmaceutical alternatives/services.

• Guideline compliance, inter-professional communication and education (patient/provider/employer) are viewed as the most significant obstacles to developing policies for effective MSD management.

• The need for research evidence on clinical interventions/strategies for preventing disability, followed by practical approaches for addressing those at risk for disability, are considered high priorities.

The survey results are being used to develop the curriculum for a Musculoskeletal Disorders and Chronic Pain Conference co-sponsored by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability (Feb.10-12 in Los Angeles). Planners say a focus of the conference is the identification of high-quality research evidence that - if implemented into policy and practice - would improve clinical outcomes and prevent disability for adults with MSDs and chronic pain.

Click here to read the full Executive Summary of the Survey