and inflammation quite effectively, but their long‑term use
is associated with various adverse effects such as increased
risk for gastrointestinal bleeding,[15] hypertension congestive
heart failure,[16] renal insufficiency. Before deciding on
specific non‑pharmacologic and pharmacologic options, it is
important to understand the degree of the patient’s symptoms,
concerns, disability and what the MSD pain means to him
or her.[17]
Aging being a strong risk factor for MSD, psychological
and emotional stresses would also have a contributory
role in the initiation and aggravation of MSD.[18] It has
been suggested that the presence of depressive symptoms
predicts future MSDs but not vice versa.[19] A clear link is
established between psychological variables with neck and
back pain. Stress, fatigue, emotional distress or anxiety, sleep
disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, poor quality‑of‑life and
pain behavior were found to be significant factors involved
in MSD.[20]
We observed in our study that physical activity, in any form
was found to be helpful in decreasing MSD in all groups. Age
seems to be an important factor in MSD pain. Prevalence of
MSD pain increased with an increase in age, remarkably in
age groups over 50.[21]
Reasons may be multi‑factorial like an increase in body
threshold for pain, decrease in stress and anxiety levels with
regular physical activity. This is a proven fact, especially
with Yoga activity, improving physical and psychological
elements, thereby minimizing musculoskeletal pain in
doctors.[22]
Overweight and obesity were found to be an significant risk
factors for musculoskeletal pain. Subjects with body mass
index (BMI) >24.9 suffered from MSD pain 1.7 times more
than subjects with BMI