National Health Priority Areas
Investigation Report
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions
- 28% of Australians have arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
- 14% (of the 28) have back problems, 8% have osteoarthritis, 3% have osteoporosis, 2% have rheumatoid and 1% have other musculoskeletal conditions
- 1-7 Australians have reported having arthritis in 2011-12
Causes of arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases
- How old you are can affect how weak your bones are (more prone to diseases and conditions of the bones)
- Sex
- Previous joint injury can set off a new or different diesease
- Obestity and weight will affect the amount of pressure on your joints
- Smoking
- Alcohol
Treatment and Prevention
- Avoid alcohol and food high in purines such as, organ meats, dried beans and sardines
- Exercise is good for joints especially stretching
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Herbal supplements
- Medecation, anti-inflammatories
Local support agencies
Moves muscle, bone and joint health : www.move.org.au
These support agencies are designed to help and inform people about bone and joint health. They are where people with musculoskeletal conditions come together to improve their health and wellbeing through discussion.