The epidemiology of soft tissue rheumatism.

Soft tissue rheumatism forms a broad spectrum of health problems, most of them poorly defined according to diagnostic criteria and case definitions. In this chapter the most prevalent conditions, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm/wrist/hand conditions and widespread pain, are discussed. A better term for referring to these health problems is regional and widespread pain disorders. The prevalence and the impact on health care and society of these conditions is high. Many physical, psychosocial and work-related factors play a role in aetiology and prognosis. A good prevention policy does not exist for most conditions due to the lack of knowledge on risk factors, risk groups and trends. To improve the epidemiological research on regional and widespread pain disorders, research should focus on clear and relevant definitions of cases or pain subgroups and on specific risk factors.