CHRONIC AND METABOLIC ILLNESSES
Chronic rheumatic illnesses
These illnesses represent a serious health problem owing to their debilitating capacity.
Osteoarticular and/or muscular pain are the fundamental characterising symptoms of these illnesses. Among these, arthrosis, gout and arthritis stand out (see Chapter 8.10, JOINT PAIN). However, perhaps the most frequent are posture pains (caused by adopting inadequate body positions) and cramps caused by tiredness, and that especially affect the spinal column. These generally appear in the cervical, dorsal and lumbar areas (pain in the neck, central and lower part of the back).
Lumbago (lower back pain) is a frequent complaint in seafarers. The movement of the ship (rocking, pitching and violent knocks) increases the problems of lifting weight and stress factors. Incorrectly lifting and transporting heavy weights, with the back bent, increases this problem.
It is very important to pick up good habits when lifting weights in order to avoid lumbago pains. This consists in keeping the back straight and using the leg muscles to do the work (see Chapter 13, CREW HYGIENE).