Almost of fifth of UK adults has a long-term musculoskeletal (MSK) condition according to the latest ONS data.
These government figures show the number of people experiencing these problems is increasing: from 17.6 per cent of UK adults in 2022 to 18.4 per cent in 2023.
The data shows that more women are experiencing MSK issues: with 20.9 per cent saying they have problems, compared to just 15.8 per cent of men.
This information is based on people self-reporting problems, rather than data from GPs or hospitals.
MSK conditions are the leading cause of pain and disability, and account for one of the highest causes of sickness absence and productivity loss.
Advisers says that this rise in MSK conditions is contributing towards a post-pandemic surge in the number of economically inactive people due to long-term sickness, and highlights the impact that new working habits and mounting pressures on the NHS are having on the health of the nation.
Broadstone head of health and protection Brett Hill says: “Musculoskeletal conditions are a significant driver of disability and pain as well as representing one of the main causes of workplace absence.
“In amidst a growing health crisis, it is little surprise to see the prevalence of MSK conditions rise but it is startling to see that around one in five adults over the age of 16 are struggling with long-term MSK health issues. Changing employment habits with the growth in working from home may be behind that uptick.
“For employers, it is yet another health statistic that emphasises the urgency of supporting the welfare of their colleagues as NHS waiting lists continue to rise. We are seeing growing demand for occupational health services to help keep staff fit and health in the workplace as well as other private healthcare options like health cash plan and private medical insurance products.
“Rising economic inactivity because of chronic illnesses is dampening productivity and harming business output. As the NHS battles to make a dent in its backlog, employers are beginning to take the fight to sickness and injury – we should encourage and support them where possible.”
