This study investigated the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among orchestra musicians from the region of ABCD (constituted by four industrial towns named Santo André, São Bernardo, São Caetano, and Diadema), in São Paulo state, Brazil, in 2008. Sixty-nine musicians filled the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and gave information on demographic and professional aspects. Their complaints during the last 12 months and the last 7 days were registered, as well as their absence from professional activities due to pain. Data were treated statistically to describe the sample and assess severity of complaints. The assessed group - 55 men and 14 women, 77% under 35 years - was mostly formed by string musicians, 72% working for at least two orchestras. Sixty five of them reported pain that was more severe in the torso (lumbar or dorsal regions) and the wrist. These areas, followed by the neck, caused most of their absences from work. Results showed that pain is "part of musicians' job". The musician's pain, as well as other workers', raises the discussion on how it should be prevented in order to promote their health. Concerning secondary prevention, health services should be prepared to deal with musicians' occupational specificities.
musicians; musculoskeletal pain; work related musculoskeletal disorders
