Kuala Lumpur | Back pain, knee pain and slipped discs are the top three causes why Malaysian office workers seek physical rehabilitation, as shown by a survey conducted by PhysioMobile Malaysia, a provider of physical therapy and rehabilitation services in Malaysia from January 2019 to January 2020.

With 15.5 million strong labour force in Malaysia1, complaints of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among office workers are seen to be on the rise. MSD, defined as injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs can occur in work-related settings and often goes untreated until it worsens over time2.

2 https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html

 

The data, collected by PhysioMobile from 2,425 patients found that back pain accounts for 49.90% of the total causes for seeking physical rehabilitation while knee pain and slipped discs both account for 15.34% and 13.90% respectively.

“Many people aren’t aware that they are suffering from MSDs, often dismissing it as they feel like the pain is not serious enough, attributing it to fatigue and exhaustion until it’s too late. Problems such as slipped discs can actually be treated really early on, saving patients from the cost of the treatment,” said Saiful Zhafri Shahidan, Director of PhysioMobile Malaysia.

There has been a high prevalence of complaints of pain in the arm, neck and shoulder region among office workers1. Exacerbated by the long working hours, leading workers to sit for an extended period of time in their work stations, as well as the lack of knowledge about healthy postures, this in turn leads to problems such as absenteeism, lost productivity, and from the employers’ side; increased health care, disability, and worker’s compensation costs.

 

1 http://www.mjphm.org.my/mjphm/journals/2015%20-%20Volume%2015%20(2)/A%20STUDY%20OF%20WORK%20RELATED%20COMPLAINTS%20OF%20ARM,%20NECK%20AND%20SHOULDER%20(CANS)%20AMONG%20OFFICE%20WORKERS%20IN%20SELANGOR%20AND%20KUALA%20LUMPUR.pdf

In fact, MSDs is the third most common occupational diseases in Malaysia after occupational noise-related hearing disorders and occupational lung diseases, with 188 reported cases in 20181. However, according to PhysioMobile, MSDs can be avoided via proper posture and simple exercises that can even be done during break time.

1 http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/competent-person-form/occupational-health/statistics/occupational-diseases-and-poisoning-statistic/occupational-diseases-and-poisoning-statistic-2019/3463-occupational-diseases-and-poisoning-2019/file

PhysioMobile, who has also been providing corporate physiotherapy services and talks on ergonomic and spine care at work based on relevant work routines also calls for employers to take measures via development, implementation, and improvement of ergonomics in the office.

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About PhysioMobile

PhysioMobile was established by two 25 years-old physiotherapists, Saiful Zhafri Shahidan and Nidzam Yatimi Ramli in 2016 to provide in-site physiotherapy treatment and consultations to not only patients with musculoskeletal problems but also those with geriatric & pediatric problems who need to undergo rehabilitation, as well as providing preventive care for those prone to injuries. Specialising in manual physiotherapy, PhysioMobile is able to provide a highly customised and personalised care while imparting the human touch to their patients. They have 6 centres around Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. For more information, visit physiomobile.my.

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