Egyptian scribes suffered osteoarthritis

[guy]

 

Not surprisingly, research indicates that Egyptian scribes experienced osteoarthritis due to their work. These scribes exhibited more degenerative damage, particularly in the cervical region, compared to lower-status workers serving as the control group.

Quote

Another distinct finding was the irregularly high occurrence of osteoarthritis among scribes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This condition most likely arose from the tedious tasks such as biting and chewing motions involved in assembling pens to write.

 

 

https://www.jpost.com/science/article-809234

 

 

Edited July 8, 2024 by guy

[guidoLaMoto]

Sherlock was always deducing occupations by observing anatomical changes induced by repetitive actions. We call it Over-use Syndrome these days.

There was an anthropological report published in the med lit 30y/a about the high number of vertebral compression fractures found in ancient skeletal remains of indigenous people of the Pacific NW, presumably from the stresses of driving dog sleds-- a rate comparable today of that seen only among rodeo riders.