Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel Musculoskeletal Report

Every year in the UK 20% of the population present with a new onset or recurrence of a musculoskeletal problem.¹ In fact, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work related problem in Europe², the most common cause of physical disability³ and the biggest reason for long term treatment.⁴ Musculoskeletal disorders can affect the body’s muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and joints, and most commonly result in back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, hip and limb pain.

^{1 Clarke A & Symmons D. The burden of rheumatic disease. Medicine 2006; 34 (9): 333-335
2 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
3 Woolf AD, Pfleger B. Burden of major musculoskeletal conditions. Bull World Health Organ 2003;81:646-56.
4 European Opinion Research Group EEIG. Health, Food and Alcohol and Safety. Special Eurobarometer 186. European Commission, 2003}