Prevent and protect
I'm interested in being proactive
Understand bone and joint conditions and discover how proactive choices and healthy habits can reduce your risk.
Prioritizing your overall health and wellbeing can have a positive impact.
Be in the know
Musculoskeletal disorders are common — and your risk increases with age. They affect your muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues, often causing pain, stiffness and limited movement. While some disorders can be present at birth, others can develop over time due to factors like:
- Repetitive motions like sitting at a computer every day or performing the same task repeatedly.
- Forceful exertions such as lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects, awkward motions (like stretching, twisting and reaching) and working in strained postures (including crouching and stooping).
- Lifestyle factors including being overweight (which can strain your muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons) or not getting enough physical activity.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, impacting your daily life, everyday activities and overall quality of life.
Commons disorders
- Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. Often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passageway in the wrist (the carpal tunnel), is compressed. It’s often caused by repetitive hand motions.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) being common.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and mood disturbances. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve how the brain processes pain signals.
- Chronic back pain: Back pain that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or underlying cause has been treated. It can have various causes, including muscle strain, disc problems, arthritis, and spinal stenosis.
Think you may be dealing with a bone, joint or other musculoskeletal disorder?
Learn about common terms you may hear throughout your journey.
Care for yourself
Prioritizing a healthy and active lifestyle can help prevent many bone, joint and other musculoskeletal disorders. Here are some key habits to keep your body in top shape.
Quick tips to help you care for your bone and joint health
- Get moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming.
- Build strength: Incorporate strength training exercises a few times a week, using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like yoga or Pilates.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your joints. Reach and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Quit tobacco: Smoking can increase your risk of musculoskeletal problems. There are resources available to help you quit.
- Practice good posture: Pay attention to your posture throughout the day, whether sitting, standing, or lifting.
- Listen to your body: Don't push yourself too hard. Rest when you need it or if you experience pain.
- Warm up before activity: Prepare your muscles for activity with a gentle warm-up.
- Cool down after activity: Gently stretch your muscles after exercise to improve flexibility and reduce soreness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your muscles and joints lubricated.
- Nourish your body: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to support musculoskeletal health
Hinge Health: Your partner in addressing and preventing pain
Don't let everyday aches in your back, shoulder or knees slow you down. Be proactive about your physical wellbeing with Hinge Health, your partner in building strength and resilience. Get virtual physical therapy and personalized support to help prevent future discomfort and address early signs of issues in your joints and muscles.
Note: In general, U.S. employees who are eligible to participate in Dow’s Wellbeing Portal are eligible for Hinge Health benefits. Eligibility and other terms may vary for employees who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Dow reserves the right to amend or terminate its benefit plans at any time in its sole discretion.
Dow provides resources to support you every step of the way...
- Dow Wellbeing Portal puts resources at your fingertips that can help you take the first step toward better bone and joint health. This includes coaching as well as specific journeys, which are self-guided courses to help you develop healthy habits. Some topics related to bone and joint health include: Beat Lower Back Pain and Finding Relief from Chronic Pain.
- Spring Health (Dow’s Employee Assistance Program partner) offers personalized, convenient care and resources to support your overall wellbeing and to help you through any of life’s challenges.
- Quit for Life® can help you kick the tobacco habit for good. The toxins in cigarette smoke can reduce the blood supply to the bones and other body tissues and interfere with the absorption of calcium into your bones from your diet, weakening your bones and musculoskeletal health — leading to the development of more fragile bones and bone mass loss.
- Online information and resources are available to help you learn about and maximize all that Dow makes available to support your overall health.
Personify Health programs
The Transform for Weight Management and Transform for Prediabetes programs through Personify Health offer evidence-based solutions with proven effectiveness. Transform embraces sustainable and steady lifestyle modifications that last long after the program is complete. Each program includes virtual lessons and opportunities to communicate directly with a coach through your smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as devices to help track your progress. Access more information and get started through the Dow Wellbeing Portal.