BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders is calling for submissions to our Collection on Mental health and musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia. These conditions not only cause physical discomfort but also impact mental well-being, contributing to psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and impaired quality of life.

Conversely, mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can influence the onset, progression, and prognosis of musculoskeletal conditions. The interplay between mental health and musculoskeletal disorders is complex, involving biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives that delve into various aspects of the relationship between mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to:

Epidemiological studies examining the prevalence, incidence, and comorbidity of mental health disorders among individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Investigations into the biological mechanisms linking mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, such as neuroendocrine pathways, immune system dysregulation, and inflammatory processes.

Psychosocial factors influencing the development, progression, and management of musculoskeletal disorders, including socioeconomic status, social support, stigma, and coping strategies.

Assessment tools and screening methods for identifying mental health comorbidities in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on validity, reliability, and feasibility.

Interventions targeting both mental health and musculoskeletal outcomes, such as integrated care models, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, exercise programs, and pharmacotherapy.

Health policy and healthcare delivery strategies aimed at improving the holistic management of individuals with coexisting mental health and musculoskeletal disorders.

This Collection seeks to advance our understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health and musculoskeletal disorders and inform clinical practice, policy-making, and future research directions. We encourage submissions from clinicians, scientists, researchers, and stakeholders across disciplines to contribute to this important dialogue.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders is calling for submissions to our Collection on Musculoskeletal Disorders management. This Collection seeks to gather research to explore and disseminate innovative strategies in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. We invite submissions that focus on enhancing patient outcomes through effective communication, multidisciplinary care, pain management, and comprehensive treatment approaches.

As the field of musculoskeletal health continues to evolve, we look to emphasize the importance of patient-healthcare provider communication, pain management strategies, physical therapy interventions, and post-surgery care. This Collection seeks to highlight the role of remote monitoring, shared decision-making, patient education, and public involvement in improving patient experience and outcomes. Contributions on multidisciplinary care and the integration of healthcare providers’ expertise to optimize care delivery are encouraged.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

Musculoskeletal management: Physical therapy, rehabilitative programs, motor control training, return-to-work programs, workplace ergonomics, community health programs

Patient-provider communications - patient portals, digital communication tools, virtual consultations, telemedicine

Patient education: resources, communication strategies for disease management, support groups.

Researchers, clinicians, and scholars are invited to submit their work and share their findings with a global audience. By participating in this Collection, contributors will help shape the future of musculoskeletal disorder treatment and enhance the therapeutic options available to patients worldwide.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.