Pattern of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Patients Attending a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major cause of pain and disability worldwide, contributing significantly to reduced quality of life and healthcare burden. Understanding their pattern in clinical settings is essential for effective management and rehabilitation planning. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Bangladesh Medical University from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 121 patients with musculoskeletal complaints were included using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and clinical evaluation. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The most affected age group was 41-50 years (28.1%) and females were slightly predominant (56.2%). Urban residents constituted 60.3% of participants. Low back pain was the most common disorder (30.6%), followed by cervical spondylosis (19.8%) and osteoarthritis of the knee (17.4%). Most patients reported symptom duration of 1-6 months (40.5%), while moderate pain was most frequent (47.1%). Common risk factors included obesity/overweight (29.8%), prolonged sitting (23.1%) and heavy physical work (15.7%). Hypertension (27.3%) and diabetes mellitus (21.5%) were the leading comorbidities. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among middle-aged patients, with low back pain being the most common condition. Most patients presented with moderate to severe pain and identifiable lifestyle-related risk factors. Early intervention, ergonomic modification and structured rehabilitation strategies are essential to reduce the burden of MSDs.