Musculoskeletal pain linked to genes: study

London – Some people may be genetically predisposed to suffer from musculoskeletal pain and other chronic pain syndromes, according to a recent study from King’s College London.

Researchers analyzed more than 8,000 sets of twins for the study, comparing identical twins who shared 100 percent of their DNA and non-identical twins who shared 50 percent of their DNA. Musculoskeletal pain was more likely to exist in both twins in identical sets, researchers said.

Similar hereditary links were found with other chronic pain syndromes, such as irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic pain and dry eye disease.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (including those involving the neck, upper extremities and low back) are one of the leading causes of lost-workday injuries and illnesses, according to OSHA. NIOSH recently sought to extend a study assessing the effectiveness and cost benefit of interventions intended to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

The study was published online May 30 in the journal Pain.