The burden of musculoskeletal conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions (MsCs) are a major burden to the individual, society and the health service. One in five of all general practitioner consultations involves a patient with an MsC. The main consequences of MsCs are chronic pain and physical disability. Back pain is the most common type of musculoskeletal pain. The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, and the most common form of non-inflammatory arthritis is osteoarthritis. MsCs can affect individuals of any age and sex. The prevalence of MsCs is higher in women than men and rises with age. The prevalence of certain MsCs can be influenced by ethnicity, lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition. MsCs are among the most commonly reported causes of work-related ill-health. The costs of MsC include those to healthcare services and to society, as well as indirect costs. Rheumatoid arthritis alone costs the UK economy £3.8-4.8 billion per year. The burden of MsCs is high, and the impact of these conditions on the health service and society will continue to rise as life expectancy increases.