567: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Pain in Brazil: National Trends from 2006 to 2024

Topic: Education, Societal Impact, and Others
Subtopic: Epidemiology

Background and Aims: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of pain, disability, and work absence worldwide, with substantial socioeconomic consequences. In low- and middle-income countries, national epidemiological data remain limited, hindering effective prevention and policy development. In Brazil, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been mandatorily reported since 2006 through a national surveillance system. This study aimed to describe national trends and the epidemiological profile of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazil between 2006 and 2024, with a specific focus on pain, functional impairment, and occupational risk factors.

Methods: Na analysis of national registry-based cohort study was conducted using publicly available data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System. All reported cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders between 2006 and 2024 were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, occupational exposures, and diagnostic categories based on the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize frequencies and temporal patterns. Geographic distribution was examined using state-level rates per 10,000 inhabitants.

Results: A total of 138,904 cases were reported over the study period. Most cases occurred among workers aged 40–49 years, predominantly women, with secondary education. Pain was reported in 85.2% of cases, followed by limitation in performing tasks (72.7%), restricted range of motion (63.0%), and muscle weakness (56.0%). The most frequent diagnoses were soft tissue disorders, dorsopathies, and synovial and tendon disorders. Repetitive movements (79.5%), working more than six hours per day (67.2%), and stressful work environments (38.9%) were commonly reported occupational exposures. The Southeast region accounted for nearly half of all notifications.

Conclusions: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazil predominantly affect middle-aged women. Pain, functional limitations, and repetitive occupational exposures were commonly reported. Persistent regional concentration and high prevalence of modifiable workplace risk factors highlight ongoing ergonomic and organizational challenges. These findings underscore the need for strengthened surveillance, targeted prevention strategies, and workplace interventions focused on pain reduction and functional preservation to mitigate the national burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

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Presenting Author: Daiane Lazzeri de Medeiros
Submitting Author: Daiane Medeiros

Senior Author: Felipe J. J. Reis

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Alexia Viríssimo Barreto - Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ)
• Daiane Lazzeri de Medeiros: PhD - Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ)
• Gisela Cristiane Miyamoto: PhD - University of São Paulo (USP)
• Flávia Cordeiro Medeiros: PhD - University of São Paulo City (UNICID)
• Leandro Calazans Nogueira: PhD - Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ)
• Felipe J. J. Reis: PhD - Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ)