State of Musculoskeletal Health 2021 statistics now published

Versus Arthritis is pleased to announce that the State of Musculoskeletal Health 2021 statistics compendium report is now available. This is our fourth annual report.

What is the State of Musculoskeletal Health report?

The State of Musculoskeletal Health is a compendium of statistics that aims to provide the best picture available of the current prevalence UK-wide, the number of people at risk of developing these conditions and the subsequent impact of MSK conditions on people’s lives, the wider health system and society.

How many people have a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition?

According to recent estimates, over 20 million people in the UK (around a third of the population) live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition, such as arthritis and low back pain. Overall, 21% of years lived with illness and disability (YLD) in the UK population are associated with MSK conditions. Low back and neck pain and osteoarthritis are the most common causes of pain and disability.

Pain is one of the leading symptoms of MSK conditions; however, people living with conditions like arthritis also commonly experience high levels of fatigue, stiffness and loss of mobility and dexterity. Together, these symptoms can steal life’s fundamentals, affecting how we move, think, sleep and feel, and even our ability to work and spend time with loved ones.

You can access the full report here: https://www.versusarthritis.org/somh.